Dizaei reinstated after appeal – then suspended

Ali Dizaei, who claimed a police appeal tribunal “unanimously” dismissed his sacking, had announced he was delighted to be reinstated. “I have always wanted to be a Met Police officer and now vow to clear my name,” he said.

But Channel 4 News has learnt that he has subsequently been suspended until the outcrome of a retrial next year.

Dizaei, 49, is due to stand trial early next year accused of misconduct in a public office and perverting the course of justice.

The prosecution follows an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission. The charges are linked to an incident outside the Persian Yas restaurant in Kensington, west London, on July 18 2008.

Dizaei, who was wearing his uniform on the date in question, is accused of arresting a man after a row despite knowing he did not have reasonable grounds to do so.

He is also alleged to have perverted the course of justice by falsely claiming in written statements that he was a victim of an unprovoked assault by the man.

The senior officer, a former president of the National Black Police Association, pleaded not guilty to the charges at a court hearing in June.

Channel 4 News Home Affairs Correspondent Simon Israel says Commander Ali Dizaei has not yet got his job back.

“The Scotland Yard police commander Ali Dizaei, who won his case to be reinstated, has been suspended.

“Channel 4 News has learnt that the Metropolitain Police Authority has accepted a tribunal ruling that the officer should be given his job back, but it will not take place until the outcome of a retrial next year on assault charges.

“Mr Dizaei told Channel 4 News he is preparing to challenge the decision, will do whatever it takes to clear his name and is determined to serve out his remaining six years in the force.”

Metropolitan Police Authority statement

“On 28 September 2011 the Police Appeals Tribunal (PAT), whose members are appointed by the Home Office, met to consider Dr Ali Dizaei’s appeal against his dismissal from the Metropolitan Police Service. The PAT upheld his appeal against dismissal.

“On receipt of their decision on 29 September, the Metropolitan Police Authority’s Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee (PSCSC) immediately convened to consider the current status of outstanding matters concerning Commander Dizaei. After careful deliberation the PSCSC unanimously decided to suspend him. Suspension is not a disciplinary sanction and it is emphasised that suspension should not be taken as a presumption of guilt.

“This has been approved by the IPCC in accordance with police regulations. Commander Dizaei was formally notified by the MPA at 4 pm on Friday 30 September 2011.

“It is the Authority’s responsibility to take the decision to suspend ACPO officers. The MPA has a statutory duty to investigate all allegations of misconduct and takes this responsibility very seriously. The Authority’s Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee considers all cases in full accordance with the applicable legislation.”