The alleged claim of discrimination, harassment and victimisation under Sections 13, 26, 27, 111 and 112 of the Equality Act 2010 was dismissed by The County Court and certified as totally without merit - the strongest finding a court can make against a claim. The Judge has approved consideration of costs being awarded to the Defendant with the amount to be determined by the Judge. The Council will seek to pursue the costs associated with defending a member of staff through the judicial process.
The claimant alleged that a Civil Enforcement Officer engaged in a transphobic attack on the morning of Monday, 13 October 2025 in relation to a parking dispute. Mr Benjamin Wood reviewed bodycam footage of the incident and video evidence submitted by the claimant and dismissed the complaint on Tuesday, 14 October 2025 after determining that the footage provided no evidence of a transphobic attack.
The subsequent claim against Mr Benjamin Wood alleged that his assessment of the incident was based on hostility and bias towards an individual with protected characteristics under the Equalities Act. The allegations were unsupported by evidence capable of establishing the causes of action and revealed no realistic prospect of success. As such, the Court has noted that the claim was not a genuine one, with the claimant offering acceptance that the alleged transphobic attack had not actually occurred - as confirmed by video/body-worn footage and independent witness evidence.
East Herts Council takes all allegations of discrimination, harassment and victimisation seriously and investigates them thoroughly and fairly. In this case, both the council's investigation and the court's findings concluded that there was no evidence to support the allegations. The council remains committed to ensuring all staff, residents and service users are treated with dignity and respect.
Cllr Joseph Dumont, Executive Member for Corporate Services, said, “Cases where officers are personally named in legal action are relatively uncommon, but local authority staff must be able to carry out their professional responsibilities without fear of being subjected to unfounded personal claims. The council has a duty of care to its employees and will provide support, including legal assistance, where needed.
“We fully support the right of residents to raise genuine concerns or complaints and are committed to handling those matters openly, fairly and transparently. However, where claims are found to be without foundation, the council will robustly defend its staff, both in the interests of fairness to those employees and the responsible use of public funds.”