The National Black Police Association is calling for a review of the Met's anti-corruption unit after an Asian detective it pursued for six months cleared his name on appeal.

Former Kingston detective constable Nabeel Akhtar, described by colleagues as an outstanding officer, successfully proved he did not assault a taxi driver in Tooting on January 15 last year.

The Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) had spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on Operation Millstream which failed to result in DC Akhtar being subject to any criminal proceedings.

Instead the DPS brought a charge against him for a trivial offence which rested on the evidence of a taxi driver, who was still working in Tooting despite all the man's asylum appeals having been exhausted.

DC Akhtar said the ordeal had ruined his life, and was likely to have a huge effect on the Asian community in Kingston.

The Met has refused to reveal why he was being investigated in the first place.

The National Black Police Association supported DC Akhtar throughout his ordeal.

President Ray Powell said: "We are extremely happy justice has eventually been done.

"The case raises serious concerns about how the Met standards board conducts its behaviour towards black and ethnic minority staff.

"We will be writing to Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Ian Blair calling for a review of the DPS."

DC Akhtar was fined 13 days' pay following a disciplinary hearing at Scotland Yard last year. It is understood the Met will reimburse him.

He said: "I was a role model to many Asian people and some have already said they would reconsider whether to join the force as a result of what has happened to me.

"It has ruined my life, and devastated our family. At the time it started I had been diagnosed with a heart problem. I had to suffer six months of probation and was treated like a criminal.

"I don't think I shall ever get over this. I was telling the truth all along and am glad that has been recognised."

As a result of what has happened he has decided to move on to work at Hammersmith police station.

The appeal concluded on Friday and, in view of its importance, a copy of the judgement has been sent to Ian Blair.

The appeal judges concluded: "We allow the appeal because we are driven to the conclusion that both the appellant and his wife told this court the truth about what took place on that occasion."

rclifford@london.newsquest.co.uk