An ambulance worker who was sacked after her wife attempted to murder their supervisor has won an unfair dismissal claim and is set to receive at least £14,000 in compensation from the NHS. Paula Smith, 56, was dismissed by the North West Ambulance Service Trust despite police clearing her of any involvement in the attack.
The employment tribunal in Manchester heard that Paula's wife, Stacey Smith, launched a brutal hammer attack on their manager, Michala Morton, outside her home on November 11, 2023. The couple had believed Morton was obstructing their requests to work together and have aligned rotas. Paula played no part in the attack and only learned of it after her wife's arrest.
Paula was arrested on suspicion of harassment and threats to kill Morton but was released on bail with conditions preventing her from attending work. In March 2024, Greater Manchester Police dropped the case against her and lifted her bail conditions. However, the trust proceeded with a disciplinary hearing, where assistant director Ian Stringer questioned whether Paula could be trusted due to her association with the incident.
Stringer wrote a letter stating Paula lacked the 'requisite skills' and that it was difficult to assure the trust she had no knowledge of her wife's intentions. The letter was never sent, and Paula only learned of her dismissal when Morton referred to her as an 'ex-employee' during the trial. She was formally informed on April 25, 2024.
The tribunal ruled that the dismissal was unfair, as the trust failed to properly consider Paula's long service and the lack of evidence against her. Paula had worked for the NHS for 26 years and had no prior disciplinary issues. Her appeal against the dismissal was rejected in July 2024.
Stacey Smith was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 11 years. Paula's compensation will be determined at a future hearing.
