Policewoman in job fight

A rookie policewoman who found herself in trouble for wearing bright pink lipstick with her uniform admitted yesterday that she had found it difficult to obey orders.

But American-born Tamara Berton, 50 - who is claiming racial discrimination and unfair dismissal from the Metropolitan Police - said she eventually learnt to live with the discipline of being a police officer.

An industrial tribunal in Croydon was told that a report on her progress during her probationary period had concluded: "She appears at times to be a square peg in a round hole. Attempts to make her a round peg are seen as attacks. It is more like trying to interview a suspect."

The hearing continues today.