A SECURITY worker says she feels vindicated after a six year battle which has seen judges uphold her sexism claim.

Peta Jessemey, 43, 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.

Read more >>> Shop detective awarded £10,000 in sexism row over boss who called her 'honey'

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

In their ruling judges described the behaviour as “patronising, demeaning and degrading”.

Speaking to the Gazette she said: “I am glad that I won.

“I know some amazingly dedicated women working in security and other related services, most of them have experienced this kind of treatment at one time or another.

“It was very important for me to win justice as I felt that I was doing it for them as well as myself.”

Miss Jessemey, who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2011, said she was not put off by the difficulties she faced by her former employer.

“It made me more determined to succeed, however, being a litigant in person is not for the faint hearted,” she said.

Miss Jessemey wants to encourage other women who feel they may be in the same situation to speak out.

She added: “I would advise anyone finding themselves in a similar situation to keep a diary.

“Write everything down, keep copies of timesheets, anything that can back up times and dates of incidents.

“Try not to retaliate or it may give them cause to complain about you, just make notes.

“If you have to resign put your reasons in your resignation letter.

“Keep records of any job applications you make before you leave.

“Trust in the tribunal to get to the truth.

“I knew what happened wasn’t right and I stuck to my guns.

“I talked things over with my friends to get things straight in my head and their support was invaluable.”

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.”