A Sikh policeman wrongly accused of sending himself racist hate mail won record damages Friday against the Metropolitan Police in London after a ruling that he was discriminated against for being Asian.
Sergeant Gurpal Virdi was awarded 150,000 pounds (245,000 euros, 225,000 dollars) by the employment tribunal, which he said reflected the serious nature of the case.
Virdi, 41, had been dismissed from the force earlier this year after he was accused of sending racist hate mail to himself and 12 other officers from ethnic minorities.
But the tribunal concluded that there was no evidence that he had sent the letters and that he was in fact the victim of racial discrimination by police during their investigation of his case.
The settlement is a record damage payment for injury to feelings, according to the Commission for Racial Equality.
Speaking outside, Virdi said: "We have got to the truth of the matter and the award reflects that. No award can fully compensate you as it is only money.
"I hope this sends a message to the Metropolitan Police, because they say they are learning lessons but they are not.
"They have offered to reinstate me but I have got to wait until after the next tribunal until I decide."
Next year, Virdi will take police to an employment tribunal claiming unfair dismissal.
Tribunal chairwoman Jessica Hill said 100,000 pounds was for damages for "a serious loss of reputation for someone with standing in the community."
She said 25,000 pounds was for aggravated damages over the "high-handed manner" in which he had been dealt with by his employers.
The rest of the award was for interest.
"Society has condemned discrimination and awards must ensure that it is seen to be wrong," she added -- LONDON (AFP)
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