Yard chief could face charges over false arrest claim

LAWYERS are examining bringing possible criminal charges against senior Scotland Yard chief Ali Dizaei, the Standard can reveal.

A file on claims that he fabricated evidence when arresting a man outside a west London restaurant has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service. The man complained about his arrest. The police commander was suspended from his post by the Metropolitan Police Authority over the incident which took place outside the Yas restaurant in Kensington in July.

At the time Mr Dizaei, 46, accused 23-year-old web designer Waad Al-Baghdadi of assaulting him with the mouthpiece of a "hubbly bubbly" or hookah water pipe.

He had been dining at the restaurant in full uniform with his wife when a row broke out and the alleged assault took place.

After arresting him the case went to the CPS but lawyers dismissed the complaint and recommended it be investigated further. Investigators from the Independent Police Complaints Commissioner were called in and examined CCTV camera evidence which is said to contradict Mr Dizaei's version of events.

Today an IPCC spokesman said: "The IPCC has concluded its investigation into a complaint against a senior officer in the Metropolitan Police Service and, as is usual in these circumstances, has passed its file to the Crown Prosecution Service."

The senior police commander could face possible charges for misconduct in a public office or even perverting the course of justice. Lawyers could dismiss the case if there is insufficient evidence to prosecute. Mr Dizaei, who denies the claims, was recently promoted to his £90,000 role at Scotland Yard with responsibility for overseeing 10 west London boroughs. He was in charge of the operation which ended in the fatal shooting of barrister Mark Saunders.

The commander is facing two further inquiries into misconduct allegations.

The IPCC is overseeing an investigation into claims he used his corporate American Express ca rd to buy £5,000 of clothes and perfume while on a trip to the US.

The MPA has also called in the deputy chief constable of the West Midlands force, Phil Gormley, to investigate claims Mr Dizaei advised a defence team on how to undermine a criminal case brought by the Met for death by dangerous driving.

The senior officer, who was cleared of corruption charges at the Old Bailey five years ago, has been at the centre of a race war at the Yard alleging that the Met is still beset with racism.