Tribunal finds Met Police officer bullied for being gay
A Met Police dog handler was subjected to bullying and slurs from his colleagues, a tribunal found.
The tribunal found that PC Dan Lichter was told “We don’t want queers in the dog section,” by a fellow officer.
He also had rumours spread about his sex life, with suggestions he had a sexual relationship with his friend, entertainer Michael Barrymore.
The ruling stated: “[His treatment] arose from or was inextricably linked to his sexual orientation. We were not given any other basis for it.
“There was no evidence that his behaviour within the unit warranted this treatment or mistrust by colleagues or senior officers.
“The incidents were linked by the respondent’s attitude towards the claimant – which was one of mistrust, disbelief, dislike and suspicion throughout his time in the unit when the evidence shows he was a hard-working and exemplary officer.”
His lawyer, Simon Cuthbert, told This Is Local London: “It’s extremely disappointing that officers are facing this sort of prejudice and discrimination.
“The Metropolitan Police needs to take this tribunal ruling very seriously and take swift steps to address the failings which have been identified.
“Mr Lichters is an exemplary police officer and suffered years of discrimination and harassment simply because he is gay.”
