Gay police officer reaches settlement in ear stud dispute

Hampshire Police have reached a confidential settlement with a gay policeman who took them to a tribunal over his right to wear a gold ear stud.

PC Neil Bloomfield told the tribunal he had been "out" for years, and said the stud was a statement of his sexual orientation. He claimed that heterosexual colleagues were allowed to flout a dress code governing jewellery while he alone was ordered to obey it, and also accused a detective sergeant of referring to him as a "crusader" and a "faggot".

The force denied discrimination but admitted that the comments were unacceptable and said the officer had been disciplined.

Bloomfield said he was happy with the outcome of the case.