A POLICE officer has quit the force after being convicted of a racially-aggravated breach of the peace at a takeaway in Dunfermline.

A sheriff heard how Keith Henderson hurled racist remarks at staff serving him at Easy Pizza in the town centre.

His conviction came just weeks after he completed his two-year probationary period.

It is understood he was under the influence of alcohol at the time and made the comments during an argument about his food order.

Henderson (32), of Church Street, Kingseat, was found guilty of committing the offence following a trial at Dunfermline Sheriff Court in December.

He was fined £300 for breaching the peace by making inappropriate racist remarks at the takeaway in Pilmuir Street on June 2.

Henderson, who denied the charge, was off-duty at the time.

Fife Police confirmed late last year the constable had been suspended from duty pending a full inquiry into his conduct.

A spokesman told The Courier at the time, “An officer from Fife Constabulary, who is currently suspended from duty, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court in connection with an off-duty allegation of breach of the peace.

“He was found guilty of the charge and the force acknowledges the findings of the court.

“We are fully committed to embracing the various elements of diversity to promote an inclusive Fife by encouraging good relations between different community groups to positively address discrimination.

“It is expected that all members of the force will adhere to these principles both on and off-duty.”

He added that Henderson would be the subject of an internal inquiry.

That inquiry has been completed and Henderson is no longer employed by the force.

Jack Henry, who bought Easy Pizza several months ago, told The Courier the man who owned the shop at the time of the incident had since moved to Dubai.

“I don’t know exactly what was said, but the guy told me it was the first time in his life it had ever happened to him,” Mr Henry said.

A Fife Police spokeswoman yesterday confirmed Henderson was no longer a serving police officer. She said, “This is not behaviour that the force will tolerate and does not reflect the professionalism and high standards of our staff.”