A disciplinary panel has recommended the dismissal of PC Mohammed Abid from Greater Manchester Police following a racist comment regarding a colleague's hair. the hearing also uncovered a pattern of misconduct involving several other officers who allegedly mocked a black officer's accent.
The "mop" remark and the dismissal of PC Mohammed Abid
PC Mohammed Abid, a 29-year-old officer based at Bury police station, faces dismissal following a disciplinary ruling. According to the report, Abid made a racist comment regarding the braided hair of a black colleague, referred to as PC Y, comparing the style to a mop. The disciplinary panel, led by chairman Jonathan Roy, determined that the remark was racist and constituted gross misconduct.
PC Y testified during the hearing that the comment was deeply offensive, noting that braided styles carry significant cultural weight for black women. While Abid denied the allegation, the panel found his conduct breached professional standards regarding equality, diversity, respect, and courtesy, as well as discreditable conduct. The panel subsequently recommended that the officer be sacked from the force.
Five constables found guilty of mimicking PC Y's accent
The disciplinary proceednigs also addressed a pattern of behavior involving several other members of the Greater Manchester Police. The report states that five serving constables—PCs Heena Rani, Lucy Granby, Demi Green, Matthew Barlow,and Matthew Hill—along with former officers Jake Holt and another officer known as "A," were found guilty of gross misconduct. These officers allegedly spent months mimicking PC Y's African accent, including her way of saying "hello" and imitating her deep laugh.
This behavior was not dismissed as mere office banter; the panel concluded it was a serious breach of professional standards that left the victim feeling nervous, anxious, and uncomfortable. The formal complaint regarding this treatment was eventually lodged by PC Y in November 2023.
The connection to the Mohammed Fahir Amaaz airport struggle
The disciplinary case involving PC Abid carries additional weight due to his family ties to a major public controversy. Abid had previously provided a character reference for his brother, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, during a trial at Liverpool Crown Court. Amaaz was one of the brothers filmed in a violent struggle with officers at Manchester Airport in July 2024.
That airport incident, which included footage of an officer kicking Amaaz in the face, sparked intense public debate regarding "two-tier justice." While CCTV later showed the brothers resisting arrest after Amaaz headbutted a tourist, the incident remains a focal point for those criticizing police conduct in Greater Manchester. While Amaaz was jailed for assaulting two female officers, other charges against him and his brother, Muhammad Amaad, failed to reach a verdict.
The limits of Sergeant Adrian Bick's accountability
While several officers faced severe consequences, the role of supervision remais a point of contention. Sergeant Adrian Bick, who supervised the team containing PC Y, was cleared of breaching equality and diversity standards. However, the panel found him guilty of misconduct for making a "thoughtless and insensitive" comment about a black fraud suspect's photograph, which was later repeated to PC Y by PC Green.
Despite the ruling, several questions remain regarding the internal culture of the unit. It is currently unclear how much the supervising officers knew about the months of accent mimicry before the formal complaint was filed in late 2023. Furthermore, the report does not specify if any systemic changes will be implemented to prevent such targeted harassment within the Bury police station or the wider force.
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