'Vexatious' PC aims to sue after burglar alarm gives him tinnitus at break-in

PC Darren Belford of Staffordshire Police is claiming against LGBT venue Gossip in Hanley, after its alarm allegedly damaged his hearing.

Director of Troy Leisure, operator of Gossip, Pete Terry described the claim as “vexatious and crippling”.

He said: “If we are open to claims like this, should we ensure they sign a disclaimer first? What is the precedent set? If somebody breaks in and an investigating officer trips on the broken door, am I to be sued for them tripping?”

Terry said his alarm was fitted to British standard by a security firm, despite the officer’s claim.

The operator has a “great working relationship” with police, and was “stunned” to receive the letter detailing the claim.

Staffordshire Police cannot comment on specific private cases, but it is not funding the claim. A spokesman said he does not support the general principle of officers claiming compensation against victims of crime.

Terry said the area has seen problems with footfall, and extra expenses threaten the existence of local businesses.

“Businesses are constantly under pressure from vexatious claims and even when unsuccessful the impact on insurance premiums and excesses to a small business is crippling,” he said.

Staffordshire Police assistant chief constable, Bernie O’Reilly, told the PMA​: "Policing is a risky business – risk is an inherent part of what we do and often why we do it. Our officers attend thousands of incidents a week across Staffordshire. I understand the officer is pursuing a private claim for damages – the claim is not being funded by Staffordshire Police. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the specifics of this case.

"I do understand the concern this type of claim may cause and I want to reassure the public its business as usual as we do everything we can to keep them safe and reassured.

"I do not generally support the principle of officers claiming compensation against victims of crime, people to whom we have responded to help them. Of course there may be isolated incidents for example if an officer is seriously injured whilst on duty and maybe loses earnings as a result; they may need to seek legal recourse – the same as everyone else."

Gossip is a 400 capacity LGBT bar in Hanley opened in September 2014.