A FORMER shop detective has been handed a £10,000 payout after judges upheld her sexism claim against her boss.

Peta Jessemey worked as a store detective for security provider Lodge Services Limited.

Her job saw her work in Superdrug stores in Colchester, Clacton and Ipswich.

But she resigned in 2014 after she said she was singled out by manager Rod Tolmie because of her gender.

Following an employment tribunal, judges have awarded her a £10,906 payout after finding in her favour.

Miss Jessemey claimed Mr Tolmie repeatedly called her ‘honey’ and would speak over her.

She said he had blocked her having a pay rise and threatened her with police action when she asked about travel pay.

While at work in January 2013, the tribunal heard Miss Jessemey was assaulted.

The report said: “Mr Tolmie made a public comment along the lines of ‘Another female officer was assaulted recently.’ Miss Jessemey says and we accept, that Mr Tolmie was disdainful when saying this as if her gender was therefore significant.

"Mr Tolmie asked Miss Jessemey if a male guard would be better suited to the store in question.”

She was again assaulted at work in June 2014. As a result she finished late and attended the police station the following morning.

When she turned up late for her shift the tribunal heard Mr Tolmie was angry.

She worked three hours overtime but was only paid for one hour.

Braintree and Witham Times:

  • Peta Jessemey. Picture: Newsquest

Miss Jessemey says she was not allowed a day off for her brother’s wedding and was told she was “not worth the expense” of training.

The ruling by the judges said: “Addressing women as ‘honey’ is patronising, demeaning and degrading. Mr Tolmie did not address men as “honey”. It is clearly related to gender.

“Mr Tolmie’s explanation for using the term ‘honey’ is that he is from Northern Ireland and ex-military police.

“Neither of those are an excuse, or an acceptable one.

“He tells us that he has undergone diversity training with the respondent and elsewhere, if that is so, either the training was very poor or his inappropriate mode of address is all the more inexcusable.”

A spokesperson for Superdrug said: “We are aware of the recent settlement between the external security provider, Lodge Services, and a security guard who was employed by this third party supplier.

"Superdrug has not worked with Lodge services since 2016.”