Prison officer racially abused by colleagues

A former prison officer at HMP Swaleside who suffered racist abuse from colleagues has won an employment tribunal.

Nigerian-born Uzo Mbonu said he was targeted and ostracised by other officers at the high-security prison on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent.

The tribunal found Mr Mbonu had been a victim of both race discrimination and harassment, and that he was unfairly dismissed.

A spokesperson for HM Prison Service said it would "carefully consider" the judgement.

When Mr Mbonu first began working at HMP Swaleside in 2018, he said he was thrilled and wanted to make a difference to the lives of prisoners.

But he also said he was not afraid to speak out when he saw other officers behaving "badly" and that this led to him becoming the victim of a "witch hunt".

"I was left feeling desolate and awful, despondent and dejected, I was completely battered emotionally," said Mr Mbonu.

"My horrendous experience in the prison service, HMP Swaleside in particular, has left me completely devastated.

"I suffer PTSD, anxiety and depression."

A report from the tribunal found there appeared to be "an unusual tolerance" for offence and "obviously racist" remarks at the prison.

"We find it entirely understandable why Mr Mbonu would become increasingly distressed and paranoid," the report states.

A spokesperson for the prison service said it has a specific unit dedicated to improving the working environment for its officers by providing support, insight and expertise to anyone raising concerns.

"All reported incidents of discrimination are taken extremely seriously and investigated robustly," they added.

A second hearing will be held at a later date to decide on the compensation Mr Mbonu will receive.

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