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An Asian police officer who protected top VIPs has been awarded nearly half a million pounds after he was branded ‘just a P***’.

Nadeem Saddique, who guarded the Royals, US President George Bush and PM Tony Blair was awarded £457,664 in a race discrimination case.

A tribunal heard he was subjected to vile racist abuse and victimisation by senior police officers and colleagues.

After an employment tribunal ruled in his favour, his barrister Joanne Woodward argued for a £628,000 award for damages and loss of future earnings at a remedies hearing.

Cleveland Police had offered a year’s salary after PC Saddique told of his initial complaints to superiors.

One officer had an English Defence league sticker on his weapon.

He was also referred to as ‘just a P***’ and a ‘black c***.’

Ms Woodward said: “There was a professional standards old guard who did not think race discrimination was important, and branded all complainants as liars, money grabbers or deluded.

“It is difficult to see how much more aggravating the respondent’s conduct could have been following the acts of discrimination.”

Doctors ruled PC Saddique was unable to return to work within Cleveland police.

He is now seeking early ill health retirement at the age of 45 having lost two stones in weight since being signed off work in 2014.

He suffered severe insomnia and had trouble eating as a result of his ordeal.

After the hearing to decide his damages, PC Saddique said: “This has been a lengthy and extremely difficult process, which has taken a serious toll on my health and my family.

“I never wanted it to go as far as a tribunal, but after experiencing problems with discrimination for a number of years within the force and exhausting all avenues internally without success, I had to do something.”

He won his case after claims an inspector referred to him in a conversation as a ‘black c***’ were backed up by the tribunal panel.

He claimed another armed officer had said ‘let’s go and shoot some P*** kids’.

Those allegations were not investigated properly by Cleveland Police professional standards department, despite being tasked to do so by Chief Constable Jacqui Cheer.

There were 19 instances of victimisation by individuals against PC Saddique, and another 11 of direct discrimination.

Richard Oulton, for Cleveland Police, said the force had taken on board the tribunal findings and were making efforts to change things.

He added: “There was a sincere and full and early apology. It is absolutely clear from the evidence that there have been very comprehensive efforts made to get things back on track through inequality, diversity and human rights training for all staff.

“The respondent has clearly taken the matter to heart and put in place a comprehensive programme.”

The force added: “We are saddened that Mr Saddique is unable to progress his career as a police officer and wish him well for the future.”

He had been the only Asian member of their firearms unit and felt he was unfairly treated when he was removed from VIP duties.

Among a number of allegations, the tribunal was told superiors were heard plotting to force him out during a social event at a pub.

The panel concluded ‘the majority of his claims were well founded’.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the matter.

Mr Saddique, of Ingelby Barwick, on Teesside, has battled depression since since launching his case against the force in 2011 - claiming race discrimination, harassment and bullying.

He settled initially without receiving any money, on the understanding he would regain the VIP protection status which he felt he had unfairly lost.

But he felt a personal development plan had not been properly implemented.

Cleveland Police said: “We are aware of the outcome of the remedy hearing and following the judgement apologised to Mr Saddique for the treatment he received.

“We have reviewed many of our policies as a result of this case and as part of our Everyone Matters project have delivered training sessions on equality, diversity and human rights and cultural awareness to the wider organisation.

“The IPCC investigation is continuing therefore it would be inappropriate to comment on this aspect of the case at this stage.”