A senior police officer in an elite Scotland Yard unit who is accused of racism by a black female colleague today denied that he was a bigot and said the woman had brought the case because she was “dissatisfied” at not getting her own way.
Carol Howard, 34, who works in the Diplomatic Protection Group, claims she was picked on and treated unfairly by her supervisor Sergeant Dave Kelly “because of my race, my sex and my looks”.
The firearms officer, a former poster girl for Olympic Games security, is suing the Met on the grounds of racial and sexual discrimination.
She has said that Sgt Kelly, allegedly dubbed a “little weasel” by colleagues, spied on her through Facebook and CCTV. She has alleged that he denied her equal opportunities and once threatened her while wearing his Glock pistol.
Today, Sgt Kelly, who was then an acting inspector, told an employment tribunal in central London that he found the allegation of bigotry “insulting in the extreme”.
In a statement, he said: “I have 24 years unblemished service as a police officer… I have never in all this time been called a racist. I strongly believe these allegations to be spurious and merely a kickback to being managed robustly, as I manage all my staff.
“I believe Pc Howard is dissatisfied because she did not get her own way in terms of her applications.”
Asked by Schona Jolly, representing Pc Howard, whether he was “intrigued and fascinated” by her client, he replied: “No.”
The case, funded by the Police Federation, has been going on for two years. The Met is contesting the claim. The hearing continues.
