Bickerstaff v Gerard Butcher [2015] NIIT 92_14IT (03 February 2015)

Bickerstaff v Gerard Butcher [2015] NIIT 92_14IT (03 February 2015)

The claimant was disabled within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 due to gout and morbid obesity, and was subjected to harassment by the respondent for reasons relating to his disability, as evidenced by sustained derogatory comments and conduct. The respondent failed to provide any defence or adequate explanation.

Citation
[2015] NIIT 92_14IT
Parties
Claimant: Neil Bickerstaff; Respondent: Gerard Butcher
Jurisdiction
Northern Ireland
Judgment Date
03 February 2015
Procedural Posture
Industrial Tribunal / Final Judgment on Liability
Outcome
Claim of harassment upheld; claimant found to be disabled under the Act.
Legal Topics
Disability Discrimination, Harassment, Workplace Bullying, Burden of Proof, Definition of Disability

Case Brief

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Parties

Neil Bickerstaff

Claimant

Gerard Butcher

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Industrial Tribunal / Final Judgment on Liability

  1. 1 Whether the claimant was disabled within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as amended
  2. 2 Whether the claimant was subjected to harassment for a reason relating to his disability

Ratio Decidendi

The claimant was disabled within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 due to gout and morbid obesity, and was subjected to harassment by the respondent for reasons relating to his disability, as evidenced by sustained derogatory comments and conduct. The respondent failed to provide any defence or adequate explanation.

Court Disposition

Claim of harassment upheld; claimant found to be disabled under the Act.