Community support officer sues Metropolitan Police for discrimination after she didn't mention criminal record on job application

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A convicted thief, who claims she forgot to mention her conviction on an application form, is suing the Metropolitan Police for discrimination.

According to The Mail on Sunday, Rachida Sobhi's application in 2008 to to become a police constable was rejected when background checks revealed she had a criminal record for stealing from a previous employer.

Currently a community support officer, she reportedly claims not to have revealed her criminal record because of amnesia.

Ms Sobhi had an earlier action dismissed by an employment tribunal but has won the right to a new hearing after a senior judge ruled that her amnesia meant she was disabled when she filled in the application form.

It is understood she was convicted of theft when working as a cashier in Brixton, south London, in 1991. She received a conditional discharge.

A Met Police spokesman said: “We believe the first hearing outcome was the correct one and we will vigorously defend our position at future hearings.”