CROYDON, U.K. — A woman who endured lasting physical and psychological consequences from a violent attack has successfully won her case against workplace harassment. The tribunal ruled her manager’s actions, which involved mockingly comparing her to a character from a horror film, were inappropriately distressing and discriminatory.
Charlene Friend, a former housing officer at Kent-based MHS Homes, has been awarded a harassment claim following severe mistreatment by her manager, Lisa Gilbert. The tribunal heard disturbing reports, including Gilbert sending Friend images from “The Exorcist,” captioning her as ‘Regan’—the film’s possessed child—an apparent taunt about Friend’s seizures.
Friend’s challenges began after a harrowing assault in 2014 where she was stabbed and beaten, leaving her with PTSD, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. Despite initially coping well after joining MHS Homes in 2018, a company restructuring in 2019 exacerbated her health conditions, making her work situation untenable.
In 2021, Friend suffered a seizure at work, believed to have been precipitated by the stress of the hostile work environment. Subsequently, Gilbert’s behavior intensified, with repeated mocking references to demonic possession—a particularly sensitive accusation given Friend’s Christian faith, which left her feeling psychologically tormented.
After several periods of medical leave, Friend was eventually dismissed in February 2024 due to ongoing health issues. The tribunal, however, has found this series of events to constitute disability discrimination and harassment, noting the failure of MHS Homes to make reasonable adjustments for Friend’s condition.
In defense, the company argued the dismissal was based on the medical prognosis that Friend was unlikely to return to work, a claim the tribunal refuted with respect to the harassment and discrimination Friend faced.
The presiding judge, Philip Tsamados, condemned the insensitive nature of Gilbert’s actions, remarking that such behavior was grossly inappropriate, especially from a managerial position, and undoubtedly worsened Friend’s condition.
A remedy for the damages suffered by Friend will be assessed and awarded at a subsequent hearing. The case highlights crucial issues about workplace environments, mental health, and the responsibilities of employers to enforce respect and sensitivity towards employees dealing with health challenges.
This legal proceeding not just underscores the need for increased awareness on how to support employees with disabilities but also serves as a cautionary tale for employers on the repercussions of neglecting such responsibilities.