Victimised Asian officer claims £628,000 compensation from Cleveland Police

PC Nadeem Saddique lodged a complaint about colleagues displaying "robust racism"

A policeman who was victimised by fellow officers because he is Asian is claiming £628,000 in compensation from his force.

Last November a tribunal found 45-year-old Nadeem Saddique - a firearms officer with Cleveland Police - had been discriminated against.

The force agreed to help him back to work, but he will now retire on grounds of ill health in December.

A hearing is taking place to decide the settlement he will receive.

PC Saddique, who helped guard Tony Blair and members of the Royal family, said the payment would cover loss of earnings, retraining and the ill health he and his family had suffered as a result of his treatment.

Cleveland Police have offered him one year's salary, he said.

An employment tribunal judge sitting at Teesside Magistrates' Court will rule on the figure.

During last year's hearing, PC Saddique, of Stockton, Teesside, alleged he was forced out of the force's firearms unit and resented by colleagues.

He was the only Asian member of the force's firearm's unit and felt he was unfairly treated when he was removed from VIP duties, having previously helped guard royals and the former prime minister.

Among a number of allegations, the tribunal was told superiors were heard plotting to force him out of the department while on a night out at a pub.

The panel concluded "the majority of his claims were well founded".

The compensation hearing continues.