A York man's claims that he suffered racism at the hands of North Yorkshire police have led to two officers facing disciplinary investigations.

Dominic M'Benga: claims to have been victimised

Assistant chief constable Peter Walker, who is responsible for discipline within the force, confirmed one officer had already been admonished for discreditable conduct and another was facing a disciplinary hearing.

Dominic M'Benga, who works as a doorman in the city, says the abuse he has suffered stems from an incident six years ago when he was attacked by a group of skinheads, shouting "Seig Heil" and other racist insults.

He brought charges against the police after he was arrested for assaulting one of the group of youths and a policeman - and says he has been victimised ever since by some officers.

"I believe the vast majority of police officers are true professionals doing a very difficult job - but the damage that one racist officer, or an officer who is ignorant of the issue, can do to an individual is total," said Mr M'Benga.

He says he has lost his business, been turned down for jobs, and threatened by police officers following his complaint about the incident, which took place on May 31, 1993.

"Some might say I'm jumping on the Stephen Lawrence bandwagon," he said.

"But I have been saying I have been unfairly treated - that I have suffered racism at the hands of some police officers for the last six years.

"It's only now that anyone has been willing to listen.

"I would like an apology from the police but more than that I want to work and I need my police file to be sorted out so I can do that."Mr Walker said he would be happy to meet Mr M'Benga to discuss his complaints and concerns about North Yorkshire police.

"It is my understanding that his complaints have been investigated to his satisfaction but if this is not the case I would be happy to meet him," said the assistant chief constable.

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