Marie Auma, 57, is a niece of Obama’s stepmother Kezia - and is bringing action at Central London County Court against an employer that she says did nothing to challenge a culture of bullying between 2007-09.

Central in her complaint are two co-workers who she said would regularly walk past her desk in Southwark Police Station and release gas.

Her barrister Lorraine Mensah told the court: “The passing of wind at her desk in an open plan office was an attempt to belittle and humiliate her.”

Ms Auma is seeking £400,000 in compensation to be awarded by the court.

The trial continues.