WORLD NEWS

British police officer to face racism charge

Apr 17, 2012, 12:26 PM

LONDON (AP) – A London policeman will face criminal charges for allegedly racially abusing a black man detained during last year’s London riots, prosecutors said Tuesday, reversing an earlier decision not to charge the officer.

The Crown Prosecution Service said there was enough evidence to charge Constable Alex MacFarlane with “a racially aggravated public order offense.”

A 21-year-old man who was detained during the week of riots, but not charged, recorded a police officer using a racial epithet as he arrested him.

Prosecutors decided in January not to charge the policeman, but reconsidered after the arrested man’s lawyers complained.

Alison Saunders, the chief prosecutor for London, said the original decision was wrong.

“I have taken the decision in this case that, as well as there being sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction, and a prosecution being in the public interest, a prosecution is necessary in order to maintain confidence in the criminal justice system,” she said.

Metropolitan Police chief Bernard Hogan-Howe has vowed to stamp out racism in the force.

London police have long attempted to tackle allegations of racism. A major report commissioned after the 1993 death of a black teenager concluded that Scotland Yard was “institutionally racist” and had failed to properly investigate the killing because of its hostility to London’s black community.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

World News

Israel hostages ceasefire holds in Gaza war...

Associated Press

Hamas frees 4 female Israeli soldiers in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners, ceasefire holds

Four female Israeli soldiers were freed from Hamas' captivity in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday.

12 days ago

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news...

Associated Press

Gaza ceasefire: 3 Israeli hostages arrive in Israel

Three hostages released from Gaza are now in Israel in the first test of a fragile ceasefire with Hamas.

18 days ago

Gaza ceasefire deal and release of dozens of hostages...

Associated Press

Israel’s Cabinet approves a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza, release of dozens of hostages

Israel’s Cabinet approved a deal early Saturday for a ceasefire in Gaza that would release dozens of hostages and pause the 15-month war with Hamas.

20 days ago

Biden South Korea plane crash pledge US support...

Associated Press

Biden offers US support in aftermath of tragic South Korean plane crash

With 179 confirmed deaths in a recent South Korean plane crash, President Joe Biden offered U.S. support in a Sunday statement.

1 month ago

Israel Hezbollah...

Associated Press

Israel approves proposed ceasefire with Lebanon’s Hezbollah

Israel approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting.

2 months ago

Donald Trump Justice Department...

Associated Press

Justice Department brings criminal charges in Iranian murder-for-hire plan targeting Donald Trump

The Justice Department has unsealed criminal charges in a thwarted Iranian plot to kill President-elect Donald Trump before this week’s presidential election.

3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

British police officer to face racism charge