Met chief Ali Dizaei JAILED for four years for perverting the course of justice

Published 08th Feb 2010

A top Scotland Yard officer was jailed this afternoon after he was found guilty of threatening and falsely arresting a man in a petty row over money.

Commander Ali Dizaei, 47, was sentenced to four year in prison for misconduct and perverting the course of justice at London's Southwark Crown Court.

A jury found he attacked Iraqi Waad al-Baghdadi before arresting and attempting to frame him.

The sentence spells the end of the Iranian officer's controversial 25-year career.

It also signals the humiliating demise of Britain's most controversial ethnic minority police officer, who has brazenly challenged any attempt to bring him to book over a series of alleged misdemeanours.

He emerged unscathed from a string of earlier inquiries, including a multimillion-pound undercover operation examining claims of corruption, fraud and dishonesty.

Dizaei had also been accused of hijacking the issue of race and using it for his own ends.

But his attempt to frame a young businessman who pestered him for payment over a website exposed him as nothing more than a bully and a liar who abused his position.

The head of the Independent Police Complaints Commission Nick Hardwick, after today's verdict, branded the officer a 'criminal in uniform. The Crown Prosecution Service said his actions had been all the more 'deplorable' because of his high rank.

And Met Chief Sir Paul Stephenson declared he deserved his punishment after his 'disgraceful' acts, which had damaged the reputation of the entire police service.

Dizaei showed no emotion as he was found guilty by the jury of six men and six women and again as he was sentenced and taken down to the cells, watched by his wife Shy in the public gallery.

Earlier, in mitigation, his lawyer Michael Mansfield QC had told the court: 'It is clear, at least as far as this defendant is concerned, his career is at an end.'

The jury heard Dizaei met Mr al-Baghdadi by chance in the Persian Yas restaurant, run by the officer's friend Sohrab Eshragi, in Hammersmith Road, west London, on July 18 2008.

Mr al-Baghdadi, 24, approached Dizaei and asked for £600 he was owed for building a website showcasing his career, press interviews and speeches.

This angered Dizaei, who had just eaten a meal with his wife after attending a ceremony at New Scotland Yard for new recruits.

The officer confronted the younger man in a nearby sidestreet where a scuffle took place and Mr al-Baghdadi was roughly arrested and handcuffed.

Prosecutor Peter Wright QC said Dizaei told Mr al-Baghdadi he would 'f*** up your life' and had '10 witnesses' who would back him up.

In one of two 999 calls Dizaei asked an operator for 'urgent assistance' before starting to arrest Mr al-Baghdadi.

When officers arrived, Dizaei handed them the metal mouthpiece of a shisha pipe, held on Mr al-Baghdadi's key ring, and claimed he had been stabbed with it.

Dizaei is seen arriving at the restaurant where he then confronted al-Baghdadi

But a doctor at Hammersmith police station concluded that two red marks on the officer's torso were probably self-inflicted and did not match the pipe.

Dizaei told colleagues he had been attacked, leaving Mr al-Baghdadi in custody for 24 hours and ultimately facing prosecution.

When Mr al-Baghdadi was told he would not face any charge, he complained about his treatment and Dizaei's web of deceit slowly unravelled.

Mr Wright said the officer was guilty of a 'wholesale abuse of power' motivated by self-interest and pride.

He said Dizaei tried to get the case dropped when he realised inconsistencies in his account had been uncovered by detectives.

Giving evidence, Mr al-Baghdadi compared Dizaei to bloodthirsty movie gangster Tony Montana, a character played by Al Pacino in the 1983 film Scarface.

He said many people were scared of the Metropolitan Police officer because of his status in the Iranian community.

The jury also heard that Dizaei rarely paid for his meals and left his unmarked car on a double yellow line while at the restaurant.

In his defence, Dizaei said he feared he was being targeted by his own colleagues because of his role as president of the National Black Police Association.

The senior officer represented Tarique Ghaffur as he threatened to sue former commissioner Sir Ian Blair for discrimination and bullying.

Dizaei said he suspected he was being followed, that his phone was tapped and that he might be attacked.

But the jury rejected his claim that the way complaints against him were handled could lead to a 'miscarriage of justice' and convicted him of both counts.

Today, Met Commissioner Sir Paul said: 'It is extremely disappointing and concerning that this very senior officer has been found guilty of abusing his position and power.

'The public expect the police to treat them fairly and honestly and we are resolved to tackle corruption at every opportunity. He has breached that trust and damaged not only his own reputation but that of the entire police service.

'I am proud of the officers who gave evidence in this case and supported the IPCC investigation. Bearing in mind his rank and disgraceful behaviour, he should not be surprised at the severity of his sentence.'

Gaon Hart, of the CPS, said outside court: 'Mr Dizaei's corruption, which would have been deplorable in any police officer, was all the more so given his position as a highly-ranked police commander.

'The public entrust the police with considerable powers and with that comes considerable responsibility. Mr Dizaei abused that power and ignored that responsibility.

'The public should have confidence that we will pursue anyone, regardless of their position, where there is evidence that they have committed serious offences of corruption.'

Dizaei's future will ultimately be in the hands of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), which is responsible for senior officer discipline.

But the case must first be referred back to the police watchdog by officials at the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) who investigated the original complaint.

Dizaei is not the first senior police officer to receive a lengthy jail sentence.

In the 1970s, an investigation into the corruption of the Metropolitan Police Obscene Publications Squad (OPS) ended with a number of early retirements, resignations and dismissals.

The 'Dirty Squad' probe concluded in 1977 when Commander Wallace Virgo, head of the Serious Crime Squad, and Commander Kenneth Drury, head of the Flying Squad, were sentenced to 12 and eight years imprisonment respectively for 'corruption on a scale which beggars description'.

Virgo was convicted of taking up to £60,000 in bribes to block complaints into OPS corruption from being followed up, while Drury was found guilty on five counts of corruption.

An MPA spokesman said: 'The MPA has a statutory duty to consider all complaints and allegations of misconduct against senior MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) officers and takes this responsibility very seriously.

'The MPA's professional standards cases sub-committee (PSCSC) considers all cases in full accordance with the Police Reform Act 2002 and associated regulations.

'Following consideration of a complaint by a member of the public against Commander Ali Dizaei, the committee referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

'The IPCC determined to conduct an independent investigation. Having investigated the complaint, the IPCC then referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

'In May 2009, the CPS advised the IPCC that there was sufficient evidence to charge Commander Dizaei with misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice in relation to events that took place on Friday July 18 2008.

'The trial concerning these charges has now concluded and found Commander Dizaei guilty on both charges.

'At this time, the matter remains an IPCC independent investigation. Therefore, the MPA is not in a position to comment further.

'In due course the IPCC will refer it back to the MPA, at which time the PSCSC will consider what action (if any) is required.

'The committee continues, in line with its statutory duty, to review the decision previously taken to suspend Commander Dizaei.

'Commander Dizaei remains a serving police officer and the MPA has satisfied itself at regular intervals that Commander Dizaei is receiving proper support and contact from the Met and his line manager.'

Nick Hardwick, who leads the IPCC, branded Dizaei a 'criminal in uniform' who threatened the reputation of the entire police service.

He warned other corrupt officers that 'nobody is untouchable' and said the case will strengthen the resolve of those charged with flushing out dishonest police employees.

Mr Hardwick said: 'When Mr al-Baghdadi tried to get Commander Dizaei to pay him the money he owed him, Dizaei assaulted and then arrested him.

'He went on to lie about what had happened and, if he had been successful, Mr al-Baghdadi may have been sent to prison.

'Dizaei behaved like a bully and the only way to deal with bullies is to stand up to them.

'Mr al-Baghdadi has shown tremendous strength of character throughout this case - from the moment he was confronted by Ali Dizaei, throughout our investigation, and finally when giving evidence at court.

'We are grateful for the confidence he placed in the IPCC and, as a result of that, justice has been done today.

'The greatest threat to the reputation of the police service is criminals in uniform like Dizaei.

'Corruption comes in many forms and remains a threat to the police service. It requires constant vigilance to fight it. Integrity must not be negotiable.

'I think the public will now be looking to police leadership for reassurance that they will not allow political and financial pressures to prevent them from robustly tackling corruption.

'The behaviour of Dizaei contrasts with that of the Met officers who spoke out and gave evidence in court against him.

'This verdict should send a message to any other corrupt officer that nobody is untouchable but I hope it will strengthen the resolve of all those decent officers whose responsibilities require them to combat or speak out against corruption.

'I want to say thank you to the team of IPCC investigators who have worked incredibly hard on this case.

'They have shown a professionalism and determination in gathering all the available evidence which stood up to intense scrutiny over the last few weeks. They deserve our thanks and praise.'

Ali Dizaei has compared himself to London's most wanted criminals because of his notoriety within the Metropolitan Police.

Most ambitious officers accrue an enviable file of challenging postings, tough training course credits and references from esteemed colleagues.

Dizaei's 24-year police career followed a similar trajectory as he was fast-tracked through the ranks in Thames Valley and then in the capital.

But it is most notable for a series of bruising encounters which left him joking he should put on his stab vest when walking inside New Scotland Yard.

Born in Tehran in 1962, Dizaei was brought up in a family steeped in policing with a father who headed the traffic police and an assistant commissioner grandfather.

He claimed police work was his destiny and joined Thames Valley Police after attending boarding school and City University Law School.

As politicians and senior officers worked hard to increase the number of ethnic minority recruits, Dizaei was tipped to become the first Asian chief constable.

He continued to study, eventually earning a PhD and adding the title 'Doctor' to his police business card.

In 1999, Dizaei joined the Metropolitan Police and was promoted to superintendent, based in Kensington, south-west London.

It was the year the force was accused of institutional racism after the inquiry into the handling of the murder of Stephen Lawrence.

Dizaei was by then vice-chairman of the National Black Police Officers Association (NBPA) and cutting a dash with his smart clothes and glitzy lifestyle.

But he was suspected of corruption and became the subject of what was to become the most expensive inquiry into a single officer.

Colleagues investigated him under the codename Helios over allegations he used drugs and prostitutes, and was spying for Iran.

In 2001 he was suspended until his acquittal at the Old Bailey in 2003. A second trial linked to claims he made false expenses claims was dropped at the last minute.

The Metropolitan Police said the inquiry cost the taxpayer £2.2 million. Dizaei argued that the figure was more like £7 million.

But since being cleared, reinstated and awarded £60,000 compensation, the senior officer refused to adopt a new low profile.

He spoke out over a botched counter-terrorism raid on the home of two brothers in Forest Gate, east London, and against the profiling of aircraft passengers.

In 2007, he angered bosses even more as he singled colleagues out for blame in his book Not One Of Us.

More recently, in his role as president of the Metropolitan Black Police Association, Dizaei was at the centre of a fresh series of race claims.

He acted as an adviser to Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur as his relations with former Commissioner Sir Ian Blair imploded amid acrimony.

Dizaei eventually filed his own race claim accusing the force of 'systematic' discrimination.

In 2003 it was revealed that Dizaei kept six mistresses and enjoyed an extravagant lifestyle facilitated by an 'open' marriage to former wife Natalie, mother of his three sons.

He told the Mail On Sunday at the time: 'To my mind I have done nothing wrong.

'I have nothing to own up to or to take responsibility for. Nothing in my private life impinged on my work and nothing in my personal life was at all clandestine.

'Natalie not only knew about the relationships I have had, she met most of the women involved, some of them have babysat for us.

'And I didn't have relationships with more than one woman at a time, they were consecutive.

'Natalie and I had an open marriage and it worked very well.

'What crime is it for a man who sleeps in a separate room from his wife and who leads a separate life from her to have relationships with six or seven women over the years?'

Mr Dizaei's wife announced her intention to leave him shortly after his acquittal in 2003 on charges of misconduct.

Dizaei said all his relationships had ended amicably.

The disgraced officer did not deny a violent outburst of rage in which he threatened to kill former girlfriend Mandy Darougheh and her mother.

He said at the time: 'I distanced myself from Ms Darougheh when I discovered her brother had a criminal record and her father was in prison.

'We had an on-off relationship and after we broke up she harassed my next girlfriend with menacing telephone calls.'

Ten years in the headlines

September 2000: First reports emerge that Dizaei's BMW car has been vandalised. The attack is linked to a racist hate campaign against ethnic minority officers.

January 2001: Dizaei is suspended over 'a number of disciplinary and criminal issues' including dishonesty, attempting to pervert the course of justice, personal conduct and integrity.

April 2001: Dizaei announces he will take the Met to an employment tribunal alleging discrimination over his promotion prospects.

December 2001: Dizaei is charged with perverting the course of justice, misconduct in a public office and eight counts of false accounting. He is also accused of submitting eight overstated travel expenses claims in 1999 for a total sum of nearly £2,400.

April 2003: Dizaei goes on trial at the Old Bailey. He is acquitted.

September 2003: A second criminal trial of Dizaei, relating to mileage expenses claims, is dropped at the last moment when prosecutors offer no evidence.

November 2003: A police misconduct report finds nine matters against Dizaei could be proved. But a secret deal is brokered between the senior officer and the force which means he will not face punishment. This is strongly criticised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). He later receives around £60,000 in compensation.

May 2004: Dizaei is given a temporary promotion to chief superintendent.

June 2006: Dizaei speaks out after a botched terror raid on the home of two Asian brothers in Forest Gate, east London. He calls for more rigorous analysis of intelligence.

August 2006: Dizaei claims the profiling of air passengers could create an offence of 'travelling whilst Asian'. The Police Federation accuse him of inflaming moderate Muslim opinion and sensationalism.

December 2006: It emerges the Met tapped Dizaei's phone calls on the force's internal phone network during Helios as the interception is ruled unlawful by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal.

June 2007: The Metropolitan Police Authority orders an inquiry over claims Dizaei failed to repay money he spent on a police American Express card and not keeping receipts.

It is alleged he spent more than £5,000 on clothes and perfume while on a trip to the United States.

July 18, 2007: Dizaei goes to the Persian Yas restaurant in High Street Kensington, west London, with his wife after attending a Scotland Yard ceremony. He arrests Iraqi web designer Waad al-Baghdadi in the street.

September 12, 2007: Dizaei is suspended by the Metropolitan Police Authority's professional standards sub-committee. It emerges he is the subject of three inquiries. They focus on the use of his company credit card, the Yas incident and claims he gave inappropriate advice to a defence solicitor representing a woman involved in a fatal hit and run.

September 19, 2007: Members of the Metropolitan Black Police Association (MetBPA) say they have no confidence in top officers. They say colleagues are 'appalled' at the suspension of Dizaei whom they believe is the victim of a 'sustained witch-hunt'.

December 17, 2007: Dizaei files a claim of racial discrimination against the Metropolitan Police and accuses former commissioner Sir Ian Blair and MPA chief executive Catherine Crawford of colluding to suspend him.

May 21, 2009: Dizaei attends Bishopsgate police station to be charged with misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice over the clash at Yas restaurant. The allegations follow an investigation by the IPCC.

August 5, 2009: Dizaei pleads not guilty at Southwark Crown Court. Judge Geoffrey Rivlin QC sets a provisional trial date for November 30.

September 24, 2009: Substantial damages are paid to Dizaei over false claims he is a bigamist.

November 20, 2009: Dizaei is cleared of misusing his corporate credit card by an inquiry led by Dorset Chief Constable Martin Baker. It finds no evidence he acted dishonestly or without integrity.

December 28, 2009: A Sunday newspaper pays compensation to Dizaei over false claims of security breaches involving an illegal immigrant.

January 11, 2010: The trial opens at Southwark Crown Court.

February 8, 2010: Dizaei is found guilty of misconduct in a public office and perverting the course of justice.

Source: ' Daily Mail '

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