A POLICEMAN who was cleared of racially abusing a colleague has told of his distress following a court case.

Pc David Hair, 42, of Stewards Green Road in Epping, was accused of abuse after telling a fellow officer he thought she was “going home to cook bananas” while on patrol in Newham in March.

His colleague, Pc Julia Dacres, who the comment was aimed at, told Wesminster Magistrates’ Court last week that she felt it had been made because of her race.

But Howard Riddle, chief magistrate, said: “While the insulting nature of the comment seems obvious to many, I believe it was not obvious at the time to Pc Hair.

“I see no reason why Pc Hair would want to offend a fellow police officer who was well-respected and liked by him.

“He did not take the opportunity to explain and apologise. Many would have done so.

“However, I accept his explanation that he thought it better to ‘let sleeping dogs lie’.”

He added that Pc Dacres had met Pc Hair’s daughter and the pair had a good working relationship.

Pc Hair said: “This has been exceptionally distressing.

“It would be distressing for anybody to be in this position, because when you’re alleged to have acted in a way which you know you did not, you’re chomping at the bit to try and defend yourself.

“I’ve not been racist towards anybody and I’m very upset at the allegation that’s been made.

“I think the British justice system has worked.”

Pc Hair’s colleague Pc Kevin Hughes, 36, of Cricketers Row, Herongate, who was tried alongside him after being charged over a separate occasion, was cleared of racial abuse.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is now considering the officers’ behaviour.

Commander Allan Gibson, of the Met Police’s Directorate of Professional Standards said: “As soon as the actions of these officers were brought to the attention of the Directorate of Professional Standards, the matter was taken seriously and following careful consideration referred to the IPCC.

“The Commissioner has made it quite clear that racism is not acceptable within the Met.

“This is a view supported by the majority of officers and staff.”