A Met Police officer who commented that an experienced barrister looks like a Taliban leader has kept his job. 

Detective Constable Nicholas Strachan was at the Old Bailey for a murder trial when he asked colleagues “who’s the barrister that looks like a Taliban leader?”. 

A misconduct report stated: “The Officer stereotyped the appearance of ‘Mr A’ about whom the words were spoken, with a member of the Taliban, due to Mr A’s Middle Eastern appearance with long dark hair and a long dark beard and who was dressed in the wig and gown of a senior barrister (K.C.)” 

Two of DC Strachan’s colleagues said they were shocked and offended by the comments and immediately rebuked him. 

DC Strachan apologised to his fellow officers for any offence caused and indicated that he wishes to apologise to the barrister, although he was discouraged from doing so. 

On Friday (October 25) a misconduct panel issued DC Strachan a three-year written warning. 

The panel said it would be disproportionate to dismiss the officer.