A police inspector is to stand trial accused of the racial and homophobic abuse of a colleague.
Gerard Friel, 50, is alleged to have mispronounced the name of PC Mehmet Uslu and refused to stop when corrected.
It’s also claimed he called the constable a derogatory name, asked him if he was speaking English and told him he couldn’t understand what he was saying.
Prosecutors also allege Friel asked other officers if they could understand PC Uslu, repeatedly made racial and homophobic remarks and also sent him electronic messages containing similar remarks.
They also claim Friel slammed a door in the officer’s face, laughed at him, changed his duties and behaved in a threatening and abusive manner by shouting and swearing.
It is alleged this took place between February 2019 and April last year at Motherwell police station and elsewhere.
Friel, of Hamilton, also faces an alternative charge he sent PC Uslu racial and homophobic text messages which were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.
It is claimed the alleged offence took place in Motherwell police station and elsewhere in April 2019.
Friel was not present when his case called at Hamilton Sheriff Court, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
Prosecutors are expected to call 19 police officers to give evidence against Friel.
The case was continued to December.
Friel has not been suspended from his job and is carrying out restricted duties.
Police said: “As legal proceedings are ongoing we are unable to comment.”
