PC ‘forced out of job after sex discrimination case’
Raymond McMichael, 58, from Belfast, is claiming unlawful discrimination, victimisation and constructive dismissal against the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
He claims he was forced to take early retirement in April 2001 because of disciplinary proceedings arising out of his giving evidence in the case of Chief Inspector Charlotte Cartwright in late 1999/early 2000.
On the first day of an industrial tribunal hearing in Belfast, his lawyer, Eamon McArdle, said his client had an unblemished record after joining the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 1996.
He said: “In a matter of 15 months of giving evidence to an industrial tribunal on behalf of the complainant in a sex discrimination case - Ms Cartwright - he believes he was driven out of his job.
“He left his job under a cloud of allegations, a disciplinary investigation and the threat of criminal proceedings for alleged breaches of the Data Protection Act.”
Mr McArdle said Mr McMichael suffered effects to his physical and mental well-being which persisted after his retirement.
The tribunal heard Mr McMichael was a constable in the RUC traffic branch between 1997 and 2001.
Ms Cartwright was one of his senior colleagues.
As part of her preparation for a sex discrimination case, the chief inspector had told her legal advisers that Mr McMichael had overheard a superintendent making disparaging remarks against her.
Mr McMichael was asked to appear as a witness in the tribunal.
Mr McArdle said: “He (Mr McMichael) will say he gave evidence only very reluctantly because of apprehensions he had about the possible consequences.
“He was given assurances by Chief Inspector Cartwright’s legal representative that he would enjoy the protection of the law against any possible retaliation if he gave evidence.”
The hearing continues.
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