A former headmaster's claim that his dismissal from a private school led to a decline in his golf performance has been dismissed by a judge after evidence revealed his handicap actually improved.
A former headmaster's claim that his dismissal from a private school caused a decline in his golf performance has been dismissed by a judge. Stephen Mellor, 72, alleged that being sacked last March from Kensington Park School in Bayswater, west London, had led to a deterioration in his golfing abilities, despite having actually improved his handicap since leaving the position.
He argued that his dismissal qualified him as legally disabled under the Equality Act because he was unable to serve as vice-captain of a local golf club. However, The Times reported that Mellor, who was fired after just 18 months, admitted to self-diagnosing his condition and not seeking professional help. Although Mellor insisted his golf suffered after being forced out of his position, evidence suggested otherwise. His handicap improved from 23 to 18 last year. Mr. Mellor was suspended in September 2022 by the £36,600-a-year independent school following allegations of misconduct, including promoting a 'favourite' male teacher to assistant head. He claimed he was labeled as 'old school' and forgetful by Benjamin Tan, the chairman of governors, at a meeting he didn't attend. He was subsequently sacked the following March and is seeking damages for discrimination and harassment. Despite stating he had been signed off work by his GP, Mr. Mellor admitted to not providing the school with a doctor's letter and opting for 'talking therapy' with friends instead of professional help. While acknowledging the responsibility of the school rested on him, Mr. Mellor insisted there were 'circumstances' at play. He maintained, 'I don’t think any of it was my fault'. Mr. Mellor's representative, Anisa Niaz-Dickinson, argued that he suffered from a 'serious mental impairment' from his six-month suspension. She added that he 'felt suicidal for a prolonged period', experienced regular exhaustion, including falling asleep while watching TV, which negatively impacted both his marriage and friendships. Mr. Mellor insisted he was subjected to ageist discrimination and harassment by the school governors, who he claimed labeled him 'old school' and 'forgetful'. However, Richard Hignett, representing the school, countered that the former headteacher failed to seek proper therapy for his condition. He suggested that if Mr. Mellor was truly suffering from 'depression and anxiety', he wouldn't have pursued his golf, which had improved rather than deteriorated since his resignation. Judge Jeremy Burns dismissed Mr. Mellor's case, ruling that he hadn't sufficiently demonstrated meeting the threshold for a disability. A further hearing in November will address Mr. Mellor's claims of harassment and age discrimination
DISCRIMINATION HARASSMENT GOLF HEADMASTER EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL LEGAL CASE
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