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Police constable launched racist volley in fare dodging spat

Sunday, May 20, 2012
11:12 AM

A Scotland Yard special constable hurl racist abuse at a rail worker who accused him of fare-dodging.

Off-duty Luke Smith, 27, rowed with staff on board a train between Gatwick and East Croydon stations.

Smith, of Carey Gardens, Wandsworth, south London, was fined for the public order offence at Croydon Magistrates’ Court - but cleared of fare evasion.

The incident happened in the early hours of October 5 last year. Smith has been suspended by Scotland Yard.

The spokesman said: “BTP officers were called to the scene at around 3.15am and Smith was arrested.

“BTP launched an investigation, spoke to a number of witnesses and viewed CCTV footage.

“Smith was charged on Thursday November 3. At Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday May 16, Smith was found not guilty of fare evasion and fined for a racially aggravated offence.”

Commander Peter Spindler, director of professional standards at the Met Police, said: “This type of appalling behaviour will not be tolerated on or off duty from any member of our staff.

“We are referring this matter to the misconduct unit for further action against the officer.”