Deal agreed in gay policeman case

A gay 39-year-old policeman who claimed his force discriminated against him by banning his ear stud has settled the case with his bosses.

Pc Neil Bloomfield claimed Hampshire Police only singled him out about wearing the jewellery under a new dress code because he was gay.

He claimed the force discriminated against him because of his sexuality.

But on Tuesday, the tribunal in Southampton was told both parties had reached an agreement.

The details of the deal would remain confidential, the tribunal heard.

Outside the hearing, Mr Bloomfield would only say he was pleased with the outcome.

He had been claiming compensation for hurt feelings and wanted recommendations made to improve the way the force implements the dress code equally to all officers.

Mr Bloomfield, a Special Branch officer in Portsmouth, had told the Southampton hearing colleagues flouted the rule.

He said he saw heterosexual male officers wearing earrings and female colleagues flouting the ruling by wearing large hoops.

My line manager enforced it because I was gay Pc Neil Bloomfield

Mr Bloomfield told the hearing he felt his ear stud was an indicator of his sexual orientation but that his superior officers told him, in February 2005, that he would be suspended if he wore it.

He said he stopped wearing it in April 2005 and has not worn it since.

"I was left in no doubt whatsoever that if I failed to comply with the policy something would happen. It was crystal clear," he said.

"It was me being told 'no you cannot (wear an earring).'

"My line manager enforced it because I was gay."

Hampshire Constabulary denied discriminating against Mr Bloomfield because he was gay but admitted comments made by one of Mr Bloomfield's colleagues were unacceptable.

Detective Sergeant Andy Lupton was disciplined over his behaviour.