Stephanie Bryan, who worked for electric bus operator The Big Lemon, was accused of producing significant flatulence that left colleague Samantha Bingham believing she had soiled herself.

Bingham told an employment tribunal that the odour lingered when she began her shift and sat in the same seat. After returning home, her partner also noticed the smell, prompting her to wash her uniform and shower immediately.

When confronted, Ms Bryan responded: “Everyone needs to fart and let out gases.”

The incident was reported to management and concerns about personal hygiene were raised during Ms Bryan’s employment review. She was dismissed after failing to pass a probationary period extended from September 2024 to January 2025 over performance concerns.

Ms Bryan argued that her employer had discriminated against her because of bladder problems. However, the Bristol Employment Tribunal rejected her claims.

Judge Jonathan Walters said: “The odour was consistent with faecal matter potentially caused by significant flatulence which had led to soiling and was not associated with urine or urinary incontinence.”