Former police officer wins compensation claim (From The Northern Echo)

Former police officer wins compensation claim

8:00am Thursday 26th January 2012 in News By Graeme Hetherington

JUSTICE: Sultan Alam

A FORMER police officer will receive at least £480,000 for being imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, and the figure could be as high as £850,000.

Sultan Alam has fought for 17 years for justice after his life and career was ruined after he served half of an 18- month jail term.

The traffic officer was dismissed after he was found guilty of handling stolen car parts in 1996. Mr Alam, who had made claims of racial abuse against his force, always maintained his innocence.

In 2007, the Appeal Court overturned his conviction.

He will receive at least £480,000 in compensation, and is seeking further damages of £366,000, as well as legal fees.

However, the figure has not been confirmed and could be higher once Judge Andrew Keyser has decided what rank the former traffic officer could have achieved if his career had not been interrupted.

Mr Alam said: “It has never been about the money. This has been about getting closure and this vindicates my fight for justice.

“No matter how much money I am awarded, it will not be able to recompense my for all of the damage it has done to my life.”

After his release, he launched a legal bid to clear his name.

In 2007, the Appeal Court, which overturned his conviction, found that serving police officers deliberately suppressed evidence that could have cleared his name.

Mr Alam returned to work, but retired on health grounds after two years.

Speaking of his future, he said: “I am just going to take stock of my life, but I can take heart from the fact that the court has ruled in my favour and hopefully, I will be able to start rebuilding my life.”

Since his arrest in 1994, the father-of-two has always said that he was set up by colleagues.

However, the trial of four officers charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and other offences collapsed in 2004.

In October last year, Cleveland Police admitted liability for Mr Alam’s complaint, but disputed the level of compensation.

A police spokeswoman said: “The events under investigation occurred many years ago and their impropriety was recognised by current senior management by the early admission of liability made on behalf of the present chief constable at the outset of this case.

“The award of compensation to Mr Alam now draws a line under this unfortunate matter.

“We wish Mr Alam well for the future.”