Trainee Police Constable Lara Goldie, 28, killed herself after being bullied by her instructors, an inquest heard yesterday.

Goldie, who had a history of depression, was found hanged in her home in June. She graduated from Hendon Police Training College in April this year and was working for the Metropolitan Police force in Haringey.

In a four-page suicide note that also refers to a series of personal problems, Goldie writes that she faced prejudice during her training. She was left feeling “ostracised” and “picked on” for her sexuality and appearance, especially for her short spiky hair.

Although there were two other openly gay women in her class of 23, Goldie’s flatmate Debbie Plowman told the inquest at Poplar’s Crown Court, “She felt that she was the one who was being picked on in the classroom and that everyone was laughing at her.”

The Met deny any wrong-doing and have pointed out that no complaints of homophobia were made before her death. The Telegraph reports that Sergeant Landy told the hearing that he had no issue with Goldie’s performance in the six months she was under his supervision watch. He had, however, spoken to her on several occasions concerning lateness and her unsuitable appearance, including her hairstyle and lip piercing.

A police investigation following Ms. Goldie’s death recorded no evidence of misconduct, although some “inappropriate” comments had been made.

Coroner Gail Elliman recorded a verdict of suicide. She said, “There were increasing concerns about her employment and there were some incidents that caused her more distress than it appeared at the time which were inappropriate.

“It is also apparent that she was taking more harshly the break up of her relationship than perhaps even she realised.”