Race-case inspector settles out of court

A BLACK police inspector who took his bosses to a tribunal for racial discrimination has agreed an out-of-court settlement.

Scott Winters has abandoned his case after reaching a private resolution with Greater Manchester Police.

The officer claims he was racially discriminated against after he told off a junior officer for calling a senior colleague by his first name and presenting a sloppy and unprofessional image to the public at Chadderton Police Station.

The inspector, from Salford, was accused of assault and subjected to a “disproportionate and discriminatory” probe.

The tribunal began in February and was adjourned until its scheduled resumption next month. But it is understood the officer met bosses last week and has agreed a settlement.

Insp Winters has declined to comment, but the Black and Asian Police Association (BAPA) has attacked the force. Chairman Paul Bailey, a constable who won his own race tribunal case earlier this year, said: “It’s my belief that the mere fact GMP has chosen to settle Inspector Winters’ claim at this late stage reflects poorly on the decision makers within GMP and vindicates Inspector Winters and his decision to take GMP to a tribunal. Once again GMP has chosen to defend a case at great cost to the public only to capitulate when presented with thorough evidence of racial discrimination.”

He criticised a “vitriolic” courtroom attack on the inspector during the tribunal where he alleged the officer had been characterised as “an aggressive, violent, arrogant, argumentative bully.”