Black holidaymaker wins £4,000 compensation after airport security stopped him THREE times before flight

13 April 2012

Cedric Stewart was searched twice and stopped three times

A black airline passenger has won £4,000 compensation after bringing a racism claim against a security firm which stopped him three times before letting him board his flight.

Cedric Stewart, 45, said he was 'humiliated' by workers at Bristol International Airport who twice unpacked his bags in front of dozens of other passengers.

He believes he was singled out because he was the only non-white flyer on the Continental Airlines flight to New York.

Mr Stewart launched legal action against security firm ICTS (International Consultants on Targeted Security) - which is hired by Continental to vet passengers. He has now received an out-of-court settlement.

The Jamaican-born car valetor said: 'I was treated like a common criminal for absolutely no reason at all.

'There were nearly 40 people in the airport queue that day and the only difference between us was that I was black and everyone else was white.

'That is clearly wrong. Nobody should have to face prejudice of any kind regardless of their country of origin or the colour of their skin.

'Hopefully the company will now make changes and they will make sure they don't have to pay out another £4,000 to someone else out there because of workers not carrying out their job in the way they're supposed to.'

The ordeal began as Mr Stewart and a friend were flying to New York for a ten-day holiday in September 2006.

A security officer approached them as they queued at check-in and quizzed them about the details of their trip.

Mr Stewart claims he was then asked to produce personal documentation including his passport, driving licence and credit card before being allowed to re-join the queue.

But after checking in he was pulled aside again and had his hand luggage emptied on a table and searched.

After being allowed on his way he was stopped for a third time at the departure gate, where he claims security staff emptied his possessions on the floor to be searched again.

He was eventually allowed to board the flight, which passed without incident.

On his return to the UK, Mr Stewart contacted the firm and demanded an apology but launched legal action when they refused.

At an initial hearing at Bristol County Court, lawyers for ICTS claimed they could not give evidence because it would threaten homeland security in the US.

The judge rejected their plea and said it was a matter for the British courts.

ICTS agreed to pay Mr Stewart £4,000 and meet his legal costs after a third hearing.

The married father-of-one, of Bristol, said he hoped his experiences would encourage victims of discrimination to take a stand.

'People thought I was mad to take on such a big firm on my own,' he said. Sadly many people experience discrimination but don't believe anyone will listen to them.

'I hope my experiences encourage people to take a stand against prejudice.'

ICTS is an aviation security specialist which employs 2,000 people in Britain and Ireland.

A spokesman strongly denied racism but said the company would not comment due to security considerations.

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