E-mail this to a friend
Print this
Leeds Employment Tribunal Hearing - Wakefield Prison Officer Carol Lingard v. HM Prison Service
29 November 2004
The Leeds Employment Tribunal is hearing the case brought by Senior Prison Officer Carol Lingard against HM Prison Service. Friday 26th November is a reading day without the parties' attendance. The hearing commences on Monday 29th November.
Mrs Lingard, who served 15 years as a prison officer and who had an exemplary professional record, claims constructive dismissal and victimisation for whistle-blowing against HM Prison Service.
Her solicitor, John Sturzaker, of national law firm Russell Jones & Walker, says: "Mrs Lingard was a highly respected officer who rightly disclosed information highlighting serious wrongdoings on D Wing at HMP Wakefield.
"The hearing, which is listed for 11 days, concerns Mrs Lingard's 'whistle-blowing' of these wrongdoings, the failure to investigate them properly and the lack of support offered to her.
"The Tribunal will hear that the immediate response to the report of her concerns was for the relevant officer to be told, prior to any investigation, that she had made allegations against him. By the time an investigation was commenced key witnesses would not co-operate. When Mrs Lingard wrote to the Governor to complain and ask for a proper investigation she was told that "...nothing further will be gained by inquiry and investigation.... The truth rarely emerges and everyone's position is made more difficult."
"This, and other factors that will emerge during the Tribunal, led Mrs Lingard to conclude that her position was untenable and she resigned.
"By making it impossible for Mrs Lingard to carry out her duties to her usual high standard we argue that HM Prison Service constructively dismissed our client."
"The case raises serious and disturbing issues about the handling of reports of wrongdoing in the Prison Service both inside and outside HMP Wakefield."
NOTE: No further comment from Mrs Lingard or her solicitors can be given until the Tribunal gives its ruling on this case. For media queries please call Andy Evans on 0788 1953 700.
ENDS
Russell Jones & Walker Solicitors employs more than 450 staff (over 200 lawyers) and is renowned as the leading national firm of solicitors in protecting the rights and legal interests of individuals and those who represent them.
Russell Jones & Walker has a network of regional offices and includes those in the following centres: London, Birmingham, Bristol, Wakefield, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, Cardiff and Edinburgh.