Updated: Beds PCs sacked for gross misconduct over Faruk Ali incident

Two Beds Police officers accused of chasing down and attacking an autistic man have been sacked for gross misconduct, it has been confirmed.
Faruk AliFaruk Ali
Faruk Ali

On February 20 2014 PC Christopher Thomas and PC Christopher Pitts chased and detained Mr Ali outside his home in Whitby Road, Luton, while the 33-year-old was taking the bins out.

Following a criminal trial in December 2014 both officers were found not guilty of misconduct in a public office, while PC Thomas was also cleared of racially aggravated assault over the incident.

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However since last Tuesday (March 29) the pair have been before a police misconduct hearing in Wyboston over their conduct.

Christopher Thomas (left) and Christopher Pitts (right) have been sacked for gross misconductChristopher Thomas (left) and Christopher Pitts (right) have been sacked for gross misconduct
Christopher Thomas (left) and Christopher Pitts (right) have been sacked for gross misconduct

This morning the misconduct panel in charge of disciplinary proceeding against the pair found PC Thomas guilty of gross misconduct for breaches of honesty and integrity, authority respect and courtesy, equality and diversity (disability) and discreditable conduct.

They also found PC Pitts, from Bedford, guilty of gross misconduct in relation to breaches of honesty and integrity, authority respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

Both have been dismissed from the force without notice.

Deputy chief constable Mark Collins said: “Firstly I would like to apologise on behalf of the force to Faruk Ali and his family for the distress this incident has caused them.

Faruk AliFaruk Ali
Faruk Ali
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“We are committed to supporting vulnerable people which is a priority for this organisation and I see excellent examples on a daily basis where we provide that support to the most vulnerable in our society.

“However, on this occasion the two officers’ conduct has fallen well below any standard that is acceptable in policing and they have now paid the ultimate sanction in losing their jobs.

He added: “This should send a very clear message to police officers that this type of behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

“It also demonstrates how committed we are to tackling unprofessional behaviour which has no place at Bedfordshire Police.

Christopher Thomas (left) and Christopher Pitts (right) have been sacked for gross misconductChristopher Thomas (left) and Christopher Pitts (right) have been sacked for gross misconduct
Christopher Thomas (left) and Christopher Pitts (right) have been sacked for gross misconduct
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“I’m sure officers across the force, and indeed the country, will share my disappointment at the actions of PCs Thomas and Pitts and the damaging impact it will have on confidence in policing.

“We are committed to rebuilding that trust and confidence and will continue to work hard with our communities in order to protect people and fight crime.

“We appreciate this has been a long process for all those involved but it was only right that every aspect of this case was thoroughly investigated and scrutinised in a transparent manner and I would like to thank people for their patience.”