Officer in race case attacks Met Police

A black policeman who was the victim of a racist attack by two of the Stephen Lawrence murder suspects criticised his own force yesterday for their "shabby" treatment after his address was mistakenly given to the men who abused him.

Detective Constable Gareth Reid said he has been living in fear since his address was given out to his attackers' defence team several months ago by the Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service.

The attackers, David Norris, 25, and Neil Acourt, 27, are in jail awaiting sentence after being convicted of racially aggravated harassment at Woolwich Crown Court in London on Wednesday. But DC Reid believes Norris and Acourt could have seen his address and passed it on to their associates.

DC Reid, 38, has been in talks with the Met to be rehoused but he said the force had failed to act. "The Met and the CPS disclosed my home address to the defence lawyers, which seriously compromised my safety and that of my family. Despite this, I gave evidence," he said.

"I was assured by the Met that they would promptly relocate myself and my family for security reasons. I am still awaiting relocation.

"I'm not considering suing the Met, even though I believe I have been dealt with in a shabby way," he added. "What I have been through over the past few weeks has left a bitter taste in my mouth and I have contemplated leaving the police. I just want to get back to the job I love."

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the address was given to the CPS, which disclosed it to the defence. It said the responsibility lay with CPS lawyers. The CPS said the address should not have been included on DC Reid's witness statement, which came from police.

DC Reid was attacked as he walked home from Eltham railway station in May last year. Acourt drove his car at the off-duty policeman while Norris threw a drink at him.