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Scotland Yard's criminal in uniform Ali Dizaei jailed for corruption
Paul Cheston, Courts Correspondent08.02.10
A Met commander was sentenced to four years in prison this afternoon for attempting to pervert the course of justice by trying to frame a man in a petty row over money.
Ali Dizaei, 47, the most senior black officer in the force, was branded a “criminal in uniform” by the head of the Independent Police Complaints Commission after being convicted of misconduct in public office.
His 24-year career was in ruins after he was exposed as a bully and a cheat who abused his position. Seven years ago a £7 million Met investigation ended with Dizaei being cleared by an Old Bailey jury. He had been accused of corruption, taking bribes, use of drugs and prostitutes and even spying for Iran.
In the latest case, Dizaei arrested Waad al-Baghdadi, 24, and handcuffed him after a row at the Persian Yas restaurant in Hammersmith. He claimed Mr Baghdadi, who had asked him for a £600 payment for building a website for him, had stabbed him in the stomach with the metal mouthpiece of a hookah pipe.
But a doctor concluded that two red marks on the officer's stomach were probably self-inflicted. Prosecutor Peter Wright, QC, said Dizaei told Mr Baghdadi he would “f**k up” his life and had “10 witnesses” who would back him up.
Mr Baghdadi was in custody for 24 hours facing prosecution and jail but detectives quickly found inconsistencies in the story.
Mr Wright said the officer was guilty of a “wholesale abuse of power” motivated by self-interest and pride. Mr Baghdadi said many people were scared of him because of his status in the Iranian community. Southwark crown court also heard that Dizaei rarely paid for his meals and left his unmarked car on a double yellow line while at the restaurant.
Mr Baghdadi told how the officer had turned into a “monster” in his fury after he asked him for the payment while Dizaei ate a meal with his wife Shy. In court Dizaei tried to blacken the victim's name, calling him a “crook” who had used stolen credit cards and run a “porno website”.
Nick Hardwick, who leads the Independent Police Complaints Commission, warned other corrupt officers that “nobody is untouchable”, adding: “When Mr Baghdadi tried to get Commander Dizaei to pay him the money he owed him, Dizaei assaulted and then arrested him.
“He went on to lie about what had happened and, if he had been successful, Mr Baghdadi may have been sent to prison. Dizaei behaved like a bully and the only way to deal with bullies is to stand up to them. The greatest threat to the reputation of the police service is criminals in uniform like Dizaei.
“Corruption comes in many forms and remains a threat to the police service. Integrity must not be negotiable. The behaviour of Dizaei contrasts with that of the Met officers who spoke out and gave evidence against him.
“This verdict should send a message to any other corrupt officer that nobody is untouchable but I hope it will strengthen the resolve of all those decent officers whose responsibilities require them to combat or speak out against corruption.
“I want to say thank you to the team of IPCC investigators who have worked incredibly hard on this case. They have shown a professionalism and determination in gathering all the available evidence which stood up to intense scrutiny over the last few weeks.” In his defence, Dizaei said he feared he was being targeted by his own colleagues because of his role as president of the National Black Police Association. The officer represented Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur when he threatened to sue Sir Ian Blair for discrimination and bullying. Dizaei said he suspected he was being followed, that his phone was tapped and that he might be attacked.
The officer even stripped off in the witness box to show where Mr Baghdadi had allegedly “poked” him.
But the jury rejected his claim and found him guilty of misconduct in a public office and attempting to pervert the course of justice at the end of the four-week trial. He stared straight ahead and showed no emotion until he hugged his wife as his family left the courtroom in tears. Dizaei faces further disciplinary charges involving his links to lawyers defending a hit-and-run driver in South Kensington.
He is accused of advising Georgian embassy official Natela Grinina on how to handle police enquiries and the prosecution. She was later sentenced to 10 years in her absence for causing the death of a cyclist.
Rising star to downward spiral
March 1999: Dizaei joins the Met from the Thames Valley force.
May 1999: Transferred to Kensington and becomes Superintendent Operations. Operation Helios is launched to investigate allegations of corruption, using prostitutes and spying for Iran.
January 2001: Dizaei is suspended and charged with misconduct in public office and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
September 2003: Cleared of both charges at the Old Bailey.
May 2004: Dizaei is promoted to Chief Superintendent.
June 2007: Sir Ian Blair, then Met commissioner, apologises for Helios.
March 2008: Dizaei is promoted to Commander as well as head of the National Black Police Association.
July 2008: Dizaei attacks Waad Al-Baghdadi after refusing to pay him £600 for a website design. He arrests him illegally and deliberately wounds himself and blames the victim.
September 2008: Dizaei is suspended for the second time.
April 2009: He is charged again with same offences.
January 2010: Trial starts at Southwark crown court.
February 2010: Dizaei convicted by the jury on both charges.
Reader views (97)
A long time ago I served with West Riding Constabulary. With few exceptions we were all part of a happy family knowing each other from the various Divisions. A lot of sense has been written above and I find it so sad that this man has soiled the job and caused disrespect of the uniform.
I do hope that the hierarchy no longer listen to some the stupidity of the liberal left. Have another start with brotherly love, relief and trust.
- Ian Hadfield, Dewsbury West Yorks. UK, 14/02/2010 16:16
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I am happy another crook in police uniform, whatever race, is jailed. Only another 10, 100, 1000, 10,000, 100,000 more to go
- Bernard Lawson, London SW1X7EU, 09/02/2010 18:28
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I have to agree with Ptinlondon.
WHY is he described as being black?
It annoys me that when an individual does something wrong, the media feel the need to re-classify their race. As a black woman, I felt utterly disappointed by the newspapers that published this.
His photo is in half the articles I have read! Could the journalists not SEE that he isn't black?! Since when did an Iranian male also count as a male of African decent? This is ludicrous...
Maybe if he had done soemthing great he would have suddenly become White.
- Toni, Uxbridge, UK, 09/02/2010 15:49
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It only seems like yesterday that Thames Valley Police were congratulating themselves on palming this criminal off on the Met.
Dont think thet this will be the end of the matter though, the devil looks after his own!
- Jay, Devon, 09/02/2010 13:24
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If Dizaei had been believed, Waad al-Baghdadi would probably now be in jail for assaulting a police officer. We need an enquiry into all of the cases where Dizaei has given evidence over the past twenty five years. I wonder how many innocent people have been convicted because of his lies.
- Michael, Glasgow, 09/02/2010 12:38
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I served as a police officer for thirty years in a provincial force and had the 'pleasure' of meeting Chief Inspector (as he then was) Dezaei on a number of occasions. My staff association invited the BPA to meet with us (just after it was formed) to discuss openly the issues they were raising. We, like them, were concerned about the level of racism in the service.
Once Ali took his turn to speak, my committee was subjected to a tirade of abuse, arrogence and vitriolic racism. He maintained that ALL white supervisory officers hated all black oficers yet offered no practical solutions. He simply ranted and abused us all.
His BPA colleagues took a more sensible view, preferring to work with the staff associations to improve the situation and I am astounded that they did not distance themselves from him.
The police service needs the BPA and I did all I could to support them in their fight against racism. They will be a much stronger organiation without him.
I wish them well in their endevours as I do for the Lesbian and Gay Police Association.
When we have a White British Heterosexual Association (with an office in the Home Office paid for by taxpayers), I will support all their members who have not been sacked on the spot for political incorrectness.
- Alan, Calahonda, Spain, 09/02/2010 11:48
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From the IPCC repor:
Police complaints, 2008/9
Outcome of complaints
A total of 50,369 allegations were completed in 2008/09. These were dealt with in the following ways:
- 41% local resolution
- 36% investigation
- 12% withdrawn
- 10% dispensation
- 2% discontinuance
• Of the allegations that were investigated, 10% were substantiated and 90% Were UNSUBSTANTIATED.
No information on whether officers guilty of false arrest were charged.
- Simon, London, 09/02/2010 11:29
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Ssb of Warwickshire wins the award for most deluded post thus far! No white officer would have got away with half of what this creep did for so long. He has just found out, at long last, that he is "touchable". As is every crook, eventually.
It has nothing to do with being "jealous" of his rank or fat salary; it's perfectly right for people to be very, very angry that he's been regarded as bomb-proof for so long simply because the institution which he was supposed served was too craven to stand up to a nasty, self-serving bully.
- Hb, England, 09/02/2010 10:48
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Because Dizaei is non-white everyone is coming down on him like a ton of bricks and villifying, most of these commenters love villifying non-white people.
When PC stone was convicted of passing information on to criminals, it was ok, because he was white, there wasn't as much fiasco of villifying done then!
- Ssb, Warwickshire, England, 09/02/2010 10:32
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It is a stitch up. If Dizaei was white, there would be a different outcome in the case.
The negative comments on this site are by people who are jealous that a non-white person is so high up in the ranks, and was being paid well.
- Ssb, Warwickshire, England, 09/02/2010 10:28
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Seems like a stitch up to me. The case came down to one person's word against the other. If it was a white Police Commander we all know who the Jury would favour.
- Bill, Bucks, 09/02/2010 09:25
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@ Tony, London,Uk
PC Stone did not take this country for thousands of pounds of tax payers money in claims of racism. PC Stone did not use his race to be fast tracked through the police service and rise to the rank of commander. This is a truly dirty copper who the Met could not pin down soon enough because of the pathetic Lefty-Liberal, politically-correct brigade like you.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 09/02/2010 09:18
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Tony, London,Uk wrote:
"...Stone was not ethnic minority so we shan't bother vilifying him"
Oh Tony you're so PC..[Pun intended].
Stone mabye just another corrupt cop, but Dizaei went further, using his race to intimidate the MET into giving him fast track promotion and avoid discipline. It could only work for so long and now the law at long last has caught up with this bad apple.
- Rodders, Feltham SWTLand, 09/02/2010 09:17
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The reason why Commander Dizaei was "tolerated" for so long is that he played the race card so many times claimimg he was being bullied. In fact, he was the bully. The Black Police Association at best were naive about this man or at worse, complicit. This meant that the Met Police failed on several occassions to bring him down through the courts. It needed a brave member of the public to bring this arrogant, power hungry, vain thug to heal. Well done!
- Bruce, London, 09/02/2010 08:47
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Well, good riddance to bad rubbish! But let's not make any bones about it the police force has characters like this throughout it, and I hardly think that most of the investigations of a similar nature have hardly got anything close to as much press as this one. The Met and indeed the BPA were both fooled by this unsavoury character into thinking he was performing a much needed role. And for those of commenters who complain that having a WPA would be deemed as racist, the fact is the WPA does exist already in the shape of a police force which is predominantly white and whose history has shown that it doesn't and cannot represent the needs of black officers. Aside from that, and I always seem to be saying this these days, the Police is under the highest scrutiny of ANY organisation and is making great strides. I wait for the day that such scrutiny is brought to bear on other public bodies and private organisations and companies who seem to be able to avoid the wind of change (the City take note). But wind of change notwithstanding organisations should always strive for excellence and not allow their processes to lack due diligence. This is where the Met have seriously failed in this case seemingly based on its public need to show political correctness and bypass the better aspects of its basic principles.
- Colin Walker, London, UK, 09/02/2010 05:45
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"I wonder how many other false statements he's given in the past that have helped convict people"
...and that's the worst part of his guilt. He has given even the real villains he was involved in bringing to justice a get out of jail free card - "reasonable doubt".
- Rogan, Irving, 09/02/2010 05:14
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Viewing the comments here this has nothing to do with the black police Association. There have been numerous cases of white police officers abusing their powers commiting criminal acts and using there position to harrass victims. What we should be celebrating here is that another 'bad apple' has been rooted out of the force thus sending a message to "ALL" police officers that they are NOT above the law. They serve it!!! You've been Served!!
- Olly, London, 08/02/2010 23:35
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my son is a serving hard working met polie officer who has known and preotested along with other police officers about the corruption associated with this evil arrogant man. But every time they had him for one crime or another he always managed to wriggle free because "they" did not want to appear "racist" so it was deemed better to let this man go free so they would not be accused of "racism" I can to some extent agree with them on this as tonight on the news the now leader of the black police officers association accused the court and the jury of being racist and stating that he has been framed. Watch this space he will soon be appealing on us the taxpayers and almost certainly will get another trial and we will see if another jury has the nerve to do the right thing and agree with today's verdict.people like him are a disgrace to the force the large majority of whom keep this country safe as they can for us, and are straight and honest not like this piece of rubbish
- Cello17, kent england, 08/02/2010 23:13
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It is clearly evident that this man was brought to the justice system by junior colleagues, with the support of their senior management team. They should be commended and celebrated by the community and Police Officer alike. Ali Dizaei has demonstrated that he was willing utilise any and all advantage that he possessed to cloud the issues and evade justice, at the cost of the reputation and liberty of fellow officers and members of the public.
ALL public servants must remember who they serve and why, as recent media has disclosed this is not always the case. Should we now taint all Politicians, Social Workers, and Police Officers for the behaviour of the significant minority? I hope not. We are in trouble when this corruption is not exposed, brought to the public attention, justice served and punishment laid down.
We must be thankful for those that labour on to serve us, despite the undeserved stigma that is placed upon them by the few self serving people who betray the public trust and confidence. In recent years the demand on public service has increased and as resources become stretched public confidence grows thinner. We should respect, admire and honour those that strive to meet our expectations and most importantly thank them for protecting us from those who are corrupted by the office they hold.
- Four ' N' Six, Essex, 08/02/2010 23:03
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The Police are dead scared of these scumbags and have ignored my numerous complaints about one of these Criminals in uniform until I was forced to give up my complaint. I could not believe how the police were petrified to even give the case a cursory look let alone an indepth investigation. The biggest shocker of all is that these untouchables continue to garner promotions. PATHETIC LOT
- Lemi, Bury, 08/02/2010 22:37
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This is good news that this corrupt man has been found guilty.
But why why why is he described as black. When Asians rise to prominence in any field they are Asian. When disgraced they are Black. If labels are to be applied please be consistent.
- Ptinlondon, London, 08/02/2010 22:10
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Two years in prison, two years on probation. He will probably be out before the end of this year with time off for "good behaviour".
Then it starts again. He will set himself up, probably using a different name or using accomplices as a front, as a "security consultant", and the corruption, bullying, extortion, racketeering and blackmailing starts all over again.
He will never change.
- Peter60, Birmingham, UK, 08/02/2010 21:54
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Kerry, Purley
When will the rest of the corrupt Met be dealt with?
Stop judging the majority of officers that do a good job!
Unfortunately the minority like Dizaei make the job of a police officer harder and the fact that he was promoted to the rank he is says something about those in charge not the officers trying to do a good job!
It is quite clear from other comments this man will be no loss to the Met and hopefully he will be replaced by someone who actually has been a police officer and not some academic who has no street experience! This would surely be of more benefit to the police and the public!
- Alicia, London, 08/02/2010 21:46
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Be interesting to see how this pans out over the next few days.
Will it be claimed as a racist attack, will the race card be waved?
The Black Police Association seems a silly thing to have in this day and age, I would hardly consider him to be a black policeman anyway. Should we have a brown and white association? As usual though people can no longer have their views when it comes to colour, too frightened of being branded racist.
The whole thing is one of those typical scenarios where faces \ people are put in positions to lead people to believe in equality. It's like the BBC sudden growth in Black & Asian news presenters, they are not there because they are any better, they are there for the BBC to say, hey, we employ everybody. Same goes for this corrupt Iranian, he no doubt was promoted because of his race and not his ability. He abused his position though so lets hope he gets the full 4 years.
When political correctness stops, when people are employed through their ability and not the colour of their skin, when people stop taking advantage of the colour of their skin.... maybe things will improve.
- P Roberts, London, 08/02/2010 21:43
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A few quick points
1) The evidence appears overwhelming that Dizaei was guilty and charged for the resturant fiasco
2) Though its a possibilty Dizaei was on the receiving end of preferential patronage by those looking to fast track a bme officer, it didnt mean he was incomptent or unqualified. He served in 2 police forces, in CID and uniform and was West Link commander which is not an easy job. He also has a degree, MA and PHD.If he was a token commander he would have been stuck shuffling paper at the yard or put in chareg of training, which is a career killer. Reference Shabir Hussain
3) Dizaei was persecuted during operation Helios by people who had an axe to grind. Some of the accusations were as petty as were he stated he parked his car when he made a crime report. They spent 7 million pounds, used 50 officers and hundreds of hours and he was acwuitted
4) Though the bpa were silly to back him on this one, they shouldnt be disbanded. bme officers are under 10% of the met. The met has a history of racism. Have we forgotton The Belgravia apartheid bus fiasco or spot the pcso. Officers need a support organisation.Or all the other race discrimination suits that the media has reported are taking place, but havent reported the circumstances of.
- Black Copper, London, 08/02/2010 21:40
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hahah president of the National Black Police Association? He is Iranian, which is classed as caucasion! You couldn't make it up!
- Martin, Harrow, London, 08/02/2010 21:37
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The damage done by this man, and those who saw fit to assist him in his undeserved rise to the heights from which he has fallen, will take decades to undo.
The Police service must become a meritocracy, not a quota driven failed social experiment, only then will the public have the Police they deserve.
- Gary, London, 08/02/2010 21:35
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well i do wonder who has Dizaei realy upset? and those toes must be vey very big , for this outcome to have occured.
He is no more greedy , arogant , out of order than many other supposed professional individuals around!
Coudl his Persian links haev got him into another problem ? At true sticth up ! as rarely is it about truth and corretcness
- David Thompson, London, 08/02/2010 21:26
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the independent police complaints commisions head called him a criminal in uniform - not very independent eh?
someone has been trying to get him for years - there was an 8 million pound investigation that he was acqitted of
all he did was arrest someon for harrassing him at a restaurant and then tried to make a charge stick - most policemen do that on most days
and finally - 4 years? for that? - bit excessive eh?
am i the only one here eho thinks hes been stitched up?
- Raymond Hodrien, London UK, 08/02/2010 21:22
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All you racist white people saying bad comments on this site were just jealous of his success at being in so high up in the police force and being black. I bet your comments wouldn't be so bad if Mr Dizaei was white!
- Ssb, england, 08/02/2010 21:12
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The Head of the Independent police complaints commission called him a criminal in uniform... not very Independent then eh?
An 8 million pound investigation was unsuccesful some years ago
...I bet someone is out to get him for that.
4 years for asking for assistance from your fellow police after being approached in a restaurant? ... bit excessive i think
ok ... so he then tried to pin a charge on a bloke that may not have been quite accurate - every cop does that on most days.
finally - am i the only one on this comment site that smells a rat?
by the way im not black or a cop lover lover
im a white busker who hates the establishmebt for all the lies and set ups they do
- Raymond Hodrien, London UK, 08/02/2010 21:04
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I'm not convinced - it sounds like there was a plan from up on high to provoke him into this. Time and time again this man has been proved innocent despite wire-tapping and honey traps set up for him by members of his own force. The establishment clearly has it in for him, probably because of the irrational fear that he is an Iranian spy.
- Richard Hughes, Reading, UK, 08/02/2010 20:39
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This man has been proved several times over the years to be a crook a liar and a bully. Hes finally been held to account and we should never again allow the atrocities of the Stephen Lawrence murder and other racially motivated attacks to cloud our judgement over the ludicrous allegations of rascism in the metropolitan police.
- Jack Myers, Dorset, UK, 08/02/2010 20:36
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By the looks of it the 'establishmet' have been trying to nail him for years......let's hope this isn't all one big set up.
- Julian, London, 08/02/2010 20:34
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No comment yet from the Black Police Asso? What are they waiting for?? Normally in a situation like this they would be falling over one another to get on the Beeb. Shame I thought the BPA were a better judge of character. Now the BPA must be think 'how are we going to spin our way out of backing the totally corrupt wrong horse'. Chaps a quick call to Max Clifford is my advise.
- Grumpy At 50, LONDON, 08/02/2010 20:27
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As a recently retired officer i cannot hide my delight that this most corrupt of officer's has at last been brought to book. It was common knowledge within the Met that this guy was corrupt. But the craven leadership of the Met and the Home Office kow towing to the polictally correct madness of today refused to do anything and let this man run amok. He though he was untouchable and thought that if he shouted racist everytime he was nicked he would get away with it. I could not believe that whilst off duty he would still dine in restaurants in full uniform, yet another offence in the Met discipline code. Tonight is a great night for all the decent officers from whatever race in the Met who have to carry on the job. But now without the shadow of ths horried wretch hanging over them.
- William Mohan, london, 08/02/2010 20:14
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Charles in Stanmore....you really need to get a grip. The reason the Black Police Association came into existence, was as a direct result of the racism that non-white officers suffered at the hands of their Caucasian counterparts. If you and your ilk wish to for the Black Police Association to be disbanded, then campaign for institutional racism within the police force and wider society to be ended. That way ALL people may be able to play on an even playing field.
- Sj,, London, 08/02/2010 20:11
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Dhan Raj, Basildon - ummmm, and the evidence? Are you suggesting it was falsified because he was disliked? Or is it simply that you can't see how this unlikely hero of your's could be guilty, therefore must, by definition, it MUST be false?
Look past the rhetoric (for a change).
Has it occurred to you that, even if true (which I doubt) that everyone was out to get him because he wasn't white (conveniently forgetting the numbers of OTHER cops who aren't white of course) - might just be because he was a bad apple who used his position and knowledge of the system to get away with such abuse and misused privilege over the years?
Subtle hint (though admittedly an extreme one) - what did they put Al Capone in prison for? It wasn't the murders, racketeering, drugs, prostitution rings and all the rest. It was simple Tax evasion. He was too good at worming his way out of trouble with the others so they took him out via his Achillies heel.
Enough of this "get out of jail free card because he's 'black' (which as an Iraqi he isn't, btw)". As the saying goes, there's no smoke without fire. This guy Dizaei comes across as a raging inferno of a fire!
...and now he's been snuffed out. Get over it.
- Rogan, Irving, 08/02/2010 19:26
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Well I have to say that the Black Police Association have gone unusually quiet, normally you can`t shut them up when one of their flock makes the news. Come on BPA, don`t be shy...whats your take on this then? This man is your figure-head..your silence speaks volumes.
- Matt, Islington, 08/02/2010 19:11
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None of the people commenting seem to care about what exactly Mr Dizael actually did. I can’t work it out. No mention of any injuries to Waad al-Baghdad described in court as a ‘crook’. No large sums of money. And we get all manner of bizarre condemnations from police officers and the IPCC, videos and recordings. All we have is a false accusation and arrest. Police don’t do that do they?
- Simon, London, 08/02/2010 19:02
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Promoted above his competence level purely due to his race, and used the race card if ever challenged on basically anything.
- Gel, Nr Newbury, 08/02/2010 18:54
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RESULT!!!
Shame it took so long to sort him out.
He always came across as a wrong un.
hope he gets a nice welcome in prison.
- Simon, kingston, 08/02/2010 18:46
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This is a good day for justice. The man is a disgrace to the uniform he wore.
- Simon, Beckenham, UK, 08/02/2010 18:41
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Hmmm, so how many of you outstanding citizens commented when PC William Stone was jailed last year for passing information to criminals? Come to think of it, how many of you know who william stone is? Of course, PC stone was not ethnic minority so we shan't bother vilifying him now, shall we?
- Tony, London,Uk, 08/02/2010 18:33
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I’m glad this over-promoted man has had his comeuppance at last. He has consistently played his Race Card time after time to get promotion and to hide his crimes. He was lucky to get away with it last time round. He was completely exonerated back then but you can bet your life that the Liberal establishment will get their man out of jail this time around, and walking the streets within twelve months. It will be interesting to see if Dizaei manages to keep his pension and his right to reside here as well. This conviction must be an embarrassment to the Black Police Officers Association, especially if they try to defend Dizaei’s conduct by blaming Institutionalised Racism within the Metropolitan Police yet again. Justice has been served, but we all know that he will never service his full sentence behind bars. Our justice system has got it right at last thanks to an English jury giving their verdict on the obvious.
- Payne Inthearse, Birmingham, UK, 08/02/2010 18:30
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What I can't understand is how he got away it for so long?
- Gabrielle, London, 08/02/2010 18:27
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Kerry from Purley,don't associate the rest of the Met with this scumbag.Let me assure you that thousands of Met officers have been waiting for this day and will be celebrating because he has tarnished the good name of the Police service and many decent officers who have worked for years to repair the trust in the police.Dazaei has managed to get away with this because he has always played the race card and used NBPA to his advantage.
Four years is to lenient,ten might have just about been right.
- Lew Rodrigues, Windsor, 08/02/2010 18:15
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Kerry in Purley. You say 'when will the rest of the corrupt met be dealt with'. If you have any evidence of corruption in the Met, rather than make a throw away comment like that, ring the Professional Standards Reserve. Do not hesitate to ring. They are awaiting your call and believe me if you have the evidence they will deal. They will even set up a 'sting' if you have some evidence but just not enough for them to go straight in. However, if your post below was just a cheap jibe at the Met Police then hows about think about all those officers who do a dangerous job. I see you live in leafy Purley. How would you fancy swopping your job with the officers who will take emergency calls tonight in Hackney or Brixton and not know what they will face when they get to that call. Kerry, we make/try to make your daily life safer. Please Kerry, think about the thousands of great encounters the Met has with the public of London/tourists everyday. Please Kerry, think of the hundreds of people we take off the streets everyday whose sole intention was to rob you/ burgle you/ steal your car or even rape you. I am really proud to be part of TeamMet. We are the best in the world.
- Kevin, Hertfordshire, 08/02/2010 17:57
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We all know that a White Police Officers' Association would not be tolerated yet The Black Police Officers' Association is allowed to exist based on skin colour.
Isn't this what the likes of Peter Hain (the Welsh Secretary) fought against before he fled from South Africa?
Racism seems to be a one-way street with some ethnicities exempt from any requirement to comply with the law. How is such a divisive organisation allowed to operate in the police force? I assume that the purpose of this organisation is to obtain better treatment for its members at the expense of none members. (white officers)
Commander Dizaei's membership of this organisation has certainly helped him overcome many 'difficulties' in the past.
- Man Of Kent, Chatham, England, 08/02/2010 17:47
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This is what happens when you promote for perverse political reasons, promotion in the Met has not been on merit and experience for many years.
- Steve M, London, 08/02/2010 17:43
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About time this seedy thug was brought to book. He got away with too much for far too long.
- Sally, hertford UK, 08/02/2010 17:43
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Well, people who thought he was the champion of minority rights may want to change their opinion now ... but only 4 years? Its a disgrace. He should have been given longer. As Agatha Christie once put it ... "To every man who sins comes Nemesis".... this grubby, vile, patronising, jumped up little Napoleon is only one of many who intimidate, bully and otherwise commit crime, thinking their uniform will hide them. Who's next for the fiery pit?? They deserve all they can get.
- Antony, Blackpool, 08/02/2010 17:31
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Excellent news and a richly-deserved rebuff to those politically correct elements who have sponsored his career. Can we look forward to Ian Blair retracting his apology re Helios? Will this enquiry be re-opened and perhaps new chargesw brought?
- Globule Spit, Knutsford GB, 08/02/2010 17:21
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I think this guy is definitely no good.
From many comments here however, it seems people are just happy that the president of the Black Police Officiers Assoc. has been jailed. I don't know what this association does or what they stand for, but he's not black is he.
As far as I'm concerned the police force reflects a lot of what happens in all public service institutions of nowadays - too much political correctness, wasteful of resources, incompetency rewarded with promotion and sadly does not attract the brightest professionals.
- Middleclasschuv, Chiswick, London, 08/02/2010 17:15
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The depressing message is how this man traded on his ethnicity and the fear of those above him not to be seen as rascist.
One hopes that this sentence will finally give our weakkneed authoritys some moral courage in dealing with miscreants and situations with justice and fairness in mind.
- Peter French, farnham england, 08/02/2010 17:10
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Yes it's good ndws, but I just wonder if his fellow Lodge members in the Law will (a) wangle him a suspended sentence ( b ) get him out in a year ( c ) make sure he has a cushti time in the chokey, away from all the other prisoners who might want to do him damage.
- Jargonaut, South London, 08/02/2010 17:10
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It is events such as this that rekindles ones faith in the legal system.
Many ask how can it be that a man such as this was ever allowed to become a police officer let alone given such promotion within the service.
The simple fact is that this man was a serial abuser of authority. Had he been a politician he would have been a corrupt one and top of the list of expenses cheats!
There should be a few red faces in the Met police at the moment:-
Those in authority who allowed themselves to be cowed into promoting someone they knew was so usuitable. AND
The Black Police Association who allowed themselves to be used by him and alleged racism all through the enquiry and trial. Maybe an apology from the BPA is in order....
- Ben, Chelmsford, 08/02/2010 17:03
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When will the rest of the corrupt Met be dealt with?
- Kerry, Purley, 08/02/2010 16:55
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Too little and too late. He has ruled the roost for far to long and dragged down the reputation (what's left) of the Police.
I for one will celebrate tonight.
- Roger, Devon, 08/02/2010 16:42
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The evidence must have been there as it only took the jury a little over 2 hours to come to a unanimous guilty verdict. What a waste of a career.
- Tony, leeds, Uk, 08/02/2010 16:13
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In the words of the best cop ever " Your nicked primrose"
Inspector Jack Reagan Flying Squad
- Alan Dickinson, Cheltenham , Gloucestershire, 08/02/2010 16:12
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Best news to have come out of the Met for years. I`m sure the Commissioner ( and hundreds of other officers ! ) will be having a quiet celebratory drink tonight. Those who helped propel this vile corrupt odious specimen up through the ranks should also be held to account, this man has done nothing but drag the name of the Met down all his career.
- Matt, Islington, 08/02/2010 16:07
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4 years - well at least he received a prison term even though if he only has to serve 2 years he will be out in 12 months or even less!
The police in London need to address their promotion processes, too many of the so called high flyers in that organisation spend very little time on the street learning the basic skills. There are too many police officers who are empowered with early promtion and get promoted fast schemes. It all goes to their heads.
Don't want to be negative as this officer needed sorting out and thank goodness a jury did that when the Met Police obviously couldn't - but sit back and watch the appeal being lodged soon......
- Soho Lady - London, London UK, 08/02/2010 16:02
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Got it right - four years imprisonment. If he was such a bully it says little for the Met - why were they prepared to tolerate such behaviour for so long? There must have been warning signs that he was such a loose cannon ? Or were bosses too afraid to act because of his colour?
Dizael thought he was untouchable; but thankfully we had a jury on this occasion that should through his lies.
It`s time that the Black Police Association was disbanded. It is now doing more harm than good. The generally held view is that because the existence of the BNP, black police officers are dealt with more favourably in matters of discipline, promotion etc than their white colleagues.
This side of a General Election I don`t expect too much from any of our main parties on the subject; but no doubt the BNP will make much of it.
- Brian G, Norfolk Gorleston, 08/02/2010 16:02
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I think scum bag is too nice a description of this thug,anyway he got his just deserves.
- David Nigel Braham, Milan Italy, 08/02/2010 16:02
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4 Years!!!? With suitably contrite behaviour he will be out in 18 months. Clearly an arrogant man who believed he was untouchable-- I've seen him strutting around Hounslow acting like he was the "Guv'nor of the Manor" Will he be sent to a tough prison or get some cushy number like HMP Ford in Sussex. Might still get out on Appeal and sell his story to the tabloids.
- Ashwin, london, 08/02/2010 16:02
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This Black Police Association now needs to be disbanded,as you now have a good reason to do just that,it is too provocative,lets see everybody working as a Team in the same association.
- Davey_Bouy, Chertsey, 08/02/2010 15:52
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What staggeringly good judges of character all those who sat on this bullys Police promotion panels have proven to be.
- Harry, Bow Street, 08/02/2010 15:47
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I wonder what the Black Police Mob/Squad/Group/Masons/Federation have to say about this?
If they want to alienate and seperate themselves into their own little self interest groups, then surely a statement from them on this wonderful man wouldnt go a miss?
- Lb, Pecknarm, 08/02/2010 15:40
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At last, justice has caught up with him. Four years jail to end an inglorious Police career. May he enjoy a warm welcome by the inmates of her Majesty's Prisons. Good riddance.
- Pat H, London, 08/02/2010 15:40
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Defended by Michael Mansfield QC, who is anti police, anti law enforcement and a big friend on the Blairs. Good riddence.
- Nick Walton, Waltham Abbey, 08/02/2010 15:06
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no doubt this will be yet another example of racism
will he be paying taxpayers back and stipped of his pension
- Brian, leeds, 08/02/2010 15:04
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Is he going to pay back the compensation he received previously then? NO, thought not!
- Maya - London, London, 08/02/2010 14:42
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Justice has (for once, and thankfully) been done. But up in smoke along with his career goes £10 million of taxpayers' money (for the two cases). But isn't it worth it to see someone who thought of themselves as above the law be made to realise they're not?
- Paul, London, UK, 08/02/2010 14:42
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Best news I have heard for ages. Well done the jury. Time this arrogant man got his cum-upance. He should get 3 to 5 years for this - then he will automatically lose all his pension rights etc. What on earth were the Met thinking of promoting him to such a high rank after his last court appearance? They need to have a good long look at their selection process as there seems to be undue influence of the Black Police Association in such matters.
- Brian G, Norfolk Gorleston, 08/02/2010 14:41
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Gotcha and about time to!
As an Iraqi he looks to be just the corrupt sort of chap to run the Baghdad police force.
Any chance of deporting him when he gets out of the slammer?
- John Bull, London, 08/02/2010 14:41
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They should now also reopen any cases where convictions were gained involving any evidence given by this creature, I wonder how many other false statements he's given in the past that have helped convict people.
- P Staker, London, 08/02/2010 14:35
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he powers that be in the Police were determined to bring down Desai for daring to challenge their institutional racism. Now it seems they've succeeded. No doubt Desai will appeal.
- Dhan Raj, Basildon, 08/02/2010 14:31
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This corrupt and arrogant deviant has gotten away with it before so it's about time he was convicted and now it's it time to show the rest of the population that even if MP's think they are above the law, the Met police are not! I shall be expecting a long jail sentence for this devious crook and his pension and any other financial 'entitlements' stopped from the moment of the crime and for the gross misconduct and disrepute he has brought upon his employers, US the tax payers!
- Ed, Hampshire, 08/02/2010 14:30
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The former poster is correct- Thames valley police colleagues are thrilled that justice has finally been done - just a shame it has taken so so so many years to happen. So many incidents over the years. He'll probably still get off on appeal tho.
- Justice, Kidlington uk, 08/02/2010 14:29
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What a grave disservice he has done to police who want to be, and can be, properly inclusive in the interests of us all.
- Steve, London, England, 08/02/2010 14:29
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The sad facts of Mr Dizaei is that for a long time he was a high flyer and had all the trappings of success .Rather than mention everything which has gone wrong for him lets cut to the chase and admit he caused most of the issues and seemed to revel in his personality of being a loose cannon.If he gets jail that will be at a higher cost because of who he is and for some reason I have this vision of Max Clifford on his way to let poor misunderstood Ali tell his story.Move over JT.
- Jonnieofbrixton, brixton,london,england, 08/02/2010 14:27
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Well, that's his career gone up in a puff of smoke!
- Carl, London, 08/02/2010 13:52
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Whats the betting he will get a suspended sentence. Then he can appeal, get his job back and take the police to court for race discrimination.
When did we hear of a copper being punished (what happened to the handler when his workings dogs suffocated in a car in Nottingham?
That seems to have vanish over the horizon.
- Amber In Mitcham, Mitcham Surrey, 08/02/2010 13:44
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Dizaei is a an arrogant vile individual who will shout racist at anyone who disagrees with him.Now can we please have a white police association,because to be prevented from having one is surely racist against white people?....no?.
- Jacob, Kommunist Kent Bolshevik Britain UKraine, 08/02/2010 13:42
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This is great news. Desai is a disgrace and should never have been allowed to become a Police Officer. It justs shows how the standards at the Met have got worse over the years.
- David Cooperman, Herne Bay UK, 08/02/2010 13:40
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Dizaei is Iranian and describing him as "..... London's most senior black policeman", does a disservice to the REAL black community. It was rank manipulation and misuse of a convenient vehicle by him, for the unbridled pursuit of egotistical ambition. Good luck to him, inside - he will probably need it.
- David, London, 08/02/2010 13:35
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hard to argue with this, going by the basic evidence presented.
what is that they say about power and corruption?
- Scotty, London, 08/02/2010 13:33
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At long last Justice has caught up with this odious man.
He has played the race card throughout his career and his gutless superiors have not only allowed him to get away with it but promoted him to keep him quiet.
No doubt the Black Police Association will now be demonstrating on behalf of their leader
Incidentally. Why can`t we have a White Police Association? Answer: That`s racial!!
- Charles, Stanmore. London, 08/02/2010 13:30
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No doubt if he had been acquited he would have been fast tracked for promotion again. Justice at last.
- Maureen Oconnell, romford england, 08/02/2010 13:19
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It is scum like this that abuse the race relation laws and make it harder for genuine discrimination victims.
A bent copper in a jail eh? Oh the irony of it all!
- James From Camden, London, 08/02/2010 13:16
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This just showa you how corrupt this man is. I hope he not only gets sacked, but to give back any money that has been giving to him and a very long prison sentance, hopefully in a place where they take a dim view of 'bent coppers'
- Richard, London, 08/02/2010 13:13
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I assume he's paying for his own defence (and appeal).
- Shaun Hughes, London UK, 08/02/2010 13:12
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I wonder how a man like this ever got into the police force in the first place, let alone reaching such a high rank.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands, 08/02/2010 13:09
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Justice has seen to be done.
Framing members of the public; is nothing new to police forces, or policemen etc.
The worst enemy an honest copper has; are bent coppers, the good guys get tarred with their smell.
- Mickinlondon, london, 08/02/2010 13:06
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Good news, a good day for the Criminal Justice System and reason why Jury trial should continue. This man was a mendacious and deeply corrupt individual. He must be imprisoned - anything else would be a disgrace. The MET will be a happier place today as will the British Police Service as a whole. I'm sure former 'colleagues' of this deeply dangerous man from Thames Valley Police will also be glad that at last he has been unmasked.
- Ranter, Maidstone, UK, 08/02/2010 13:02
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At long last ha ha
- P Staker, London, 08/02/2010 13:01
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