Record £5,000 awarded for disability discrimination

At a hearing on 26th March, District Judge Weston awarded damages of £5,000. The case taken up by Disability Rights Worker at Sheffield Law Centre represents the highest level of compensation to date for a case brought under Part 3 (non-employment cases) of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Mr Langdon, who uses a wheelchair, attended a family celebration at Sutton Park Golf Club in Hull. Unfortunately for him and his family, their evening was spoilt by the limited access to the club and in particular to the toilets. This resulted in extreme humiliation and embarrassment for them.

With the help of Hull’s Choices & Rights Disability Coalition, Mr Langdon approached the proprietor, Mr Webster. He refused to respond to any phone calls or letters.

Sheffield Law Centre assisted Mr Langdon to enforce his complaint in Hull county court. At the hearing on 26th March 2008, District Judge Weston found that Mr Webster had failed to acknowledge not just the humiliation and inconvenience caused to Mr Langdon but also his complaints of discrimination. He ordered Mr Webster to pay £5000 compensation, plus court costs, within 21 days.

Sheffield_Law_Centre_Disability_Discrimination_April_2008.doc

Published: Wed 2 Apr, 2008