RAF officer wins 'high heels' case

The female officer was dressed smartly for a parade

A female Royal Air Force (RAF) officer has won a six year legal battle for compensation after being ordered to run in high heels while wearing a heavy backpack.

Flight Lieutenant Deborah Burns tripped and ruptured her Achilles tendon only three days after arriving at RAF Cranwell for basic training in August 1996.

Preston Crown Court heard that since the incident Flt Lt Burns has remained in the RAF but has been confined to desk duties.

The judge found that liability for Flt Lt Burns' injury lay with the RAF and the amount of compensation will be decided at a later date.

'Make haste'

The court was told that Flt Lt Burns had been dressed smartly for a parade and was wearing high heeled shoes when a senior officer ordered her to pick up an 80-pound (36 kg) kit bag and 'make haste.'

I am absolutely delighted with the outcome

Flt Lt Deborah Burns

The 28-year-old struggled with the heavy bag and fell over, rupturing her Achilles tendon.

But RAF lawyers had argued in court that she had not been ordered to run and had exaggerated the seriousness of her injury.

After the hearing Flt Lt Burns said: "I am absolutely delighted with the outcome. My ankle is still in a terrible state."

An MoD spokesman said: "We are disappointed with the outcome of the actual court case but we have tried to learn lessons from this incident."

Flt Lt Burns said that she would be leaving the service in August.