Policeman fined for homophobic remarks

By Joe Roberts • October 19, 2007 - 15:40

O'Kane was suspended from work following the incident.

6 Comments on Policeman fined for homophobic remarks

A officer from Cleveland Police has been found guilty of making homophobic and racist remarks.

At Teesside Magistrates' Court on Wednesday PC Peter O'Kane, of Queens Drive, Billingham was fined £600 and £950 costs after he was convicted of two public order offences, reports the Newcastle Evening Gazette.

25-year-old Mr O'Kane was overheard making the remarks on December 28th while out with a group of friends at the Oak Pub, in Middlesbrough, which has a predominantly gay clientele.

Staff and customers said he made insulting remarks and jokes and asked "why am I in a gay pub?"

He then mocked barman Shabil Munir for being gay and black.

Mr O'Kane was suspended from work following the incident.

He denied making racist comments and said his remarks were restricted to the people he was visiting the pub with.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said his comments had been made off duty.

"A decision will now be made concerning the officer's appearance before a police misconduct hearing," she told the Newcastle Evening Gazette.

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