Cop sues the force over office ‘banter’ after colleague gave him offensive nickname

A UK policeman has sued the force for sexual harassment after a colleague gave him a nickname he found offensive.

A UK cop sued for sexual harassment after a colleague called him “Dolly Parton” because he only worked nine to five.

Stephen Knox complained after his fellow PC whistled the country singer’s hit 9 To 5 at him at their station, The Sun reports.

Parton, 76, wrote 9 To 5 for the 1980 comedy film of the same name.

The other officer also printed out A4-sized photos of the star’s face and plastered them over his computer and desk, an employment tribunal heard.

Dad-of-four PC Knox had changed his shift patterns to suit his childcare needs.

The officer took offence to the nickname. Picture: iStock

He complained that the jokes by an officer — identified only as PC Rylands — between November 2016 and January 2017 amounted to sexual harassment.

The long-serving Merseyside cop took the force to a tribunal.

But the claim was thrown out because it was submitted too late.

However, he did win more than £12,000 ($21,196) over separate claims of victimisation and disability harassment.

The tribunal in Liverpool heard that PC Knox was teased by PC Rylands at Speke police station.

In November 2016, PC Knox learned his applications for a transfer and to work from nine to five were both successful.

(From left) Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda in the 1980 hit, 9 to 5.

It was said the pair were friends and that PC Rylands was “pleased” for his colleague.

A tribunal report said: “Initially, at least, PC Knox accepted PC Rylands’ jokes as well-intentioned ‘banter’.

“PC Knox never directly challenged PC Rylands about his behaviour.”

After moving to Huyton, PC Knox’s mental health was said to have plummeted.

He was off sick and later diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and features of PTSD.

While off work, he made discrimination claims.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Cop sues the force over office ‘banter’ after colleague gave him offensive nickname