Dyslexic Officer Sues Force After Ex-Boss Row

A police constable with dyslexia and depression has taken Avon and Somerset Police to an employment tribunal, alleging disability discrimination. PC Lee Umpleby, a 18-year veteran, claims his conditions make administrative tasks exceedingly difficult, especially after being moved from his dog handler role to desk duties in 2023.

In May 2023, Umpleby followed his former manager, Ministry of Defence Police Sgt Steve Knight, and instructed officers to breathalyse him, though the test was negative. A misconduct hearing in June 2024 cleared him, accepting his genuine belief that Sgt Knight was over the legal alcohol limit, and labeling Knight a 'bully'.

The tribunal recognized Umpleby as disabled under the Equality Act due to dyslexia, evidenced by a 2008 assessment noting his slower processing of verbal and visual information and below-average writing speed. His depression, diagnosed and treated since 2016, was also ruled a mental impairment with substantial adverse effects.

Umpleby's need for reasonable adjustments became apparent when his suspension from dog handling in 2023 led to increased paperwork. He stated that while his dyslexia didn't hinder his dog handling, administrative duties exacerbated his difficulties. The tribunal accepted his evidence that depression caused suppressed panic, exhaustion, and affected his concentration and ability to cope with stress.