Overview

• The tribunal found Inspector Stephen Gow ambushed PC Denise Gemmell with an unannounced meeting that challenged her HR adjustment for absences in cold weather.
• Employment Judge Peter O’Donnell ruled that the confrontational session amounted to victimisation and awarded Gemmell £43,092 in compensation.
• Gemmell, who developed neuralgia after a 2014 injury, had been removed from frontline duties and placed in the Service Delivery Unit due to pain aggravated by low temperatures.
• After the meeting she took extended sick leave, lost pay for 11 months (later reinstated), and has not returned to her frontline role.
• The tribunal dismissed her disability discrimination claim, underscoring the different legal tests and burdens of proof for discrimination versus victimisation.