A police officer and a community support officer convicted of misconduct after the vigilante murder of a disabled man have been dismissed.
PC Kevin Duffy, 52, and PCSO Andrew Passmore, 56, were found guilty of misconduct in a public office before Christmas in connection with the death of Bijan Ebrahimi in Bristol in 2013. Mr Ebrahimi, 44, was beaten to death and his body set on fire by neighbour Lee James, who wrongly believed he was a paedophile.
Avon and Somerset Police yesterday announced that both Duffy and Passmore have been dismissed from the force following misconduct hearings. A spokesman said: “PC Duffy knew that, or ought to have known that, Mr Ebrahimi was at risk of harm. He failed to visit or otherwise make contact with Mr Ebrahimi.” The spokesman added: “PCSO Andrew Passmore was also dismissed in relation to this matter.”
Duffy and Passmore are two of 18 officers and staff facing misconduct proceedings. Of those, nine are accused of gross misconduct. PCs Leanne Winter, 38, and Helen Harris, 40, were each acquitted of a charge of misconduct in a public office following the seven-week trial.
Mr Ebrahimi’s sister, Manizhah Moores, previously called on Avon and Somerset Police to remove Duffy and Passmore from the force.
Tony Murphy, of Bhatt Murphy, the solicitor of Mr Ebrahimi’s family, said: “The family hopes that this outcome means that the police will protect victims of race hate crime in future.”
Avon and Somerset Police Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said she was “deeply disappointed” in Duffy and Passmore.
The IPCC is expected to publish its investigation findings into Mr Ebrahimi’s death at the conclusion of all disciplinary proceedings.
PA
