Ex-PC in claims of ‘abuse on daily basis’
Jan 30 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal
A FORMER police officer who claims he suffered threats, verbal and racist abuse while working for Northumbria Police is taking the force to an employment tribunal.
Chris Girling, of Gosforth, has been off work on incapacity benefit for the last nine months with stress and depression.
He is taking Northumbria Police to a tribunal for unfair dismissal after he was sacked for gross misconduct. During a preliminary hearing yesterday at the Employment Tribunals House on the Quayside, Newcastle, the 29-year-old, who wept during part of his evidence, said he had been given at least 64 tasks for which he was untrained, and no further training had been offered.
He then told of an encounter with a senior officer as part of the disciplinary process.
“He came into the office and sat down and was asking me why I wasn’t completing my duties. His face was bright red. I asked him to calm down on a number of occasions. I felt that he was going to hit me. I couldn’t take it and reported it to my union,” Mr Girling said. “I received more verbal abuse from senior managers and supervisors. The atmosphere just deteriorated and I was incredibly upset at the way I was being treated.
“The doctor was worried about my welfare, he said I was being treated worse than someone who was being held in custody on a Friday night.
“I was treated unfairly on a daily basis and was never helped by any of the staff. I have never received an apology.”
Mr Girling said a senior officer walked past him and made a racist remark at one point.
After a disciplinary process, Mr Girling was sacked during a meeting at which he was not present.
Mr Girling, who lives with his parents, had worked for Northumbria Police for 13 years. He started work as a special constable at the age of 16 and then moved to train special constables, before progressing to be a detention officer.
He was based at Etal Lane police station in Newcastle when the issues began. He moved to the Market Street station but the problems continued.
Summing up the preliminary hearing, employment chairman Judge Barton said: “I feel there may be a case to answer which will only come to light if the full evidence is given. I cannot say without further evidence that this is not unfair.”
Nicholas Wirz, representing Northumbria Police, said the force denied all the accusations.
After the hearing, Mr Girling said: “It has been an extremely upsetting few months. I will definitely be taking this to a full tribunal. I want the full evidence to come to light.”
