PSNI Cap by Ominae [CC BY-SA 4.0]

 Ms Merrick had joined the then RUC in 1993. After whistleblowing on alleged sexual harassment involving other officers in 2018 the tribunal held that Ms Merrick had been subjected to “scurrilous and unfounded” allegations by superintendent Ian Campbell, now retired. It held that her treatment was related to her whistleblowing.

The claim in relation to disability arose when she made a request to work additional hours from home due to pain associated with arthritis. Mr Campbell had responded: “No one would know if you were actually working or standing making the dinner”.

The tribunal stated that this comment was “fatally infected with gender stereotyping”.

Ms Merrick medically retired in 2021.

Mr Boucher said in his statement: “Following the outcome of the employment tribunal, where it was found that the Police Service of Northern Ireland had acted unlawfully on the grounds of sex discrimination, whistleblowing detriment and disability discrimination, I would like to publicly apologise on behalf of the PSNI for the treatment Ursula has suffered.

“There is and should be no place for behaviour like this in the PSNI, we are committed to a workplace culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. Unfortunately, our internal processes did not recognise this when Ursula rightly complained. I also recognise the significant personal impact this treatment has had on Ursula, a much-valued member of the RUC/PSNI since 1993, who rose to the rank of temporary chief inspector before her retirement in 2021 following the treatment she suffered.

“The service executive team and I realise the PSNI has lost an experienced and diligent police officer and I have offered to meet Ursula to apologise to her in person.”

Belfast law firm Edwards Solicitors, who represented Ms Merrick, welcomed this apology.

Solicitor Rachel Powderly from Edwards said the Mr Boucher’s apology was an important acknowledgement of the profound impact that the PSNI’s treatment had upon her client, both personally and professionally.

Ms Powderly said: “This has been an exceptionally difficult time for our client, and we welcome the resolution of this matter after several years.

“The Industrial Tribunal’s findings in 2023 were significant and provided important recognition of the treatment Ms Merrick experienced.

“Today’s public apology by the Chief Constable is an important acknowledgement of the profound impact that the PSNI’s treatment had upon our client, both personally and professionally.

“Ms Merrick showed considerable courage and determination in pursuing her claims, and we are pleased that the matter has now been brought to a conclusion.

“We hope that lessons will be learned from our client’s experience and that appropriate measures are put in place to ensure that similar treatment does not happen again.”