A FORMER police officer has been awarded more than £1million in a discrimination case after her force stopped her running a business on the side.
Sergeant Katrina Hibbert suffered from PTSD and depression after working with child victims of drug and sexual exploitation, an employment tribunal heard.
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Following advice from an occupational health professional, she set up a party and events business to help her cope with the stresses of police work.
But the Thames Valley Police officer was left feeling “hopeless” after superiors withdrew permission for her to run the business when she went off sick.
Bosses said her side gig was delaying her return to work and claimed the public would expect officers to “carry out their contracted role ahead of any business interest”.
Following the withdrawal and a gross misconduct investigation — which “exacerbated her anxiety” — she resigned and sued for constructive dismissal and disability discrimination.
A judge at the tribunal in Reading ruled the decision to withdraw permission was “discriminatory” and awarded her £1.1million in compensation.