A psychology lecturer who was subjected to cruel mockery of her disabilities and malicious rumours by a colleague has been awarded over £177,000 by an employment tribunal.
The Harassment and False Allegations
Dr Sharon Turton, 65, worked at MidKent College in Kent for more than eight years. The tribunal, held in London in October and November 2024, heard that a fellow staff member repeatedly harassed Dr Turton, who has Asperger's Syndrome, severe complex post-traumatic stress disorder and ADHD.
The colleague tapped Dr Turton on the head to indicate she had 'mental problems'. In a separate incident, the same individual spread false rumours that Dr Turton had made racist remarks about a student's traveller heritage.
The tribunal ruled that three complaints of harassment related to disability and two of direct disability discrimination were well-founded. Dr Turton took voluntary redundancy in 2022 as a result of the treatment.
Life-Changing Impact and Tribunal Award
Speaking from her home in Ashford, Kent, Dr Turton said the compensation "nowhere near compensates for what I lost in savings, income, and future income". She described the ordeal as "horrendous" and "hell".
The tribunal awarded Dr Turton £177,157.28 in compensation and a further £12,465.15 for legal costs. It also issued £5,000 in aggravated damages because the college was "simply not taking our findings seriously" and had failed to take action against the staff involved.
Dr Turton stated she still suffers from nightmares, panic attacks lasting hours, and tachycardia. "The psychological impact has been huge... I find it impossible now to trust people," she said.
College Response and Lasting Consequences
Dr Turton expressed deep concern that no disciplinary action had been taken against the individuals named in the judgement. "This has serious implications for the way the college views race and disability," she warned, noting the college has many disabled students.
Simon Cook, Principal and CEO of MidKent College, said: "We take these findings... extremely seriously and are committed to ensuring all staff and students experience an inclusive and respectful environment." He added that the events occurred between 2021 and 2022 and that the college had strengthened its policies since.
Dr Turton, a mother-of-three and grandmother-of-six, said she will not return to lecturing. She now plans to finish writing a book she started eight years ago.
