Community order for former Police Inspector Mustaq Patala
A FORMER Lancashire police inspector has been sentenced after he pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife.
Mustaq Patala, 33, Pleckgate Road in Blackburn was given a two year community order, told he must do 180 hours unpaid work and is required to undertake a community domestic violence programme.
The incidents relate to offences against his wife dating back to 2009 and up to November 2010. Police were alerted to the assaults following a distressing 999 call made by his wife in November and a full investigation was launched and Patala was subsequently charged.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Rhodes said, “Mustaq Patala’s conduct has been found to have fallen well short of the high professional standards of behaviour expected of a police officer, and the Constabulary has taken a robust stance to investigating this case, which has resulted in his conviction.
“The public expect their police officers to maintain high standards and integrity and clearly Patala has shown none of these. They should feel reassured that whoever you are, if you commit crime in Lancashire then we will seek to bring you to justice.”
Detective Superintendent Ian Critchley, Head of Public Protection said, “Patala has subjected his wife to violent behaviour over a period of time and furthermore also put his children in vulnerable positions. It is clear he had significant trust issues and chose to take those out on his wife.
“As a force we work very closely with key community partners in tackling domestic violence and it is disappointing that the behaviour of one employee, as in this case, can potentially undermine the valued work carried out by the Constabulary on a day to day basis.
“We would always encourage victims of domestic violence to come forward and would reassure them that we along with other organisations, will provide them with all the support and help they need.”
Patala resigned from his position in June 2011.
