The chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland has issued a public apology to a former chief inspector who was discriminated against in the force.

Ursula Merrick, who retired on medical grounds in 2021, was found by an employment tribunal in 2023 to have suffered sex discrimination, disability discrimination, and whistleblowing detriment. Her former colleague, retired Superintendent Ian Campbell, had made allegations against her that the tribunal described in stark terms.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme, Merrick said she was horrified and humiliated by Campbell's attempt to smear her and ruin her professional reputation. She said the situation had hung over her head for years and affected her family.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said in a statement that there is no place for such behaviour in the PSNI and that the organisation is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. He acknowledged that internal processes failed to recognise the discrimination when Merrick complained, and he recognised the significant personal impact on her.

Boutcher noted that Merrick had been a valued member of the RUC and PSNI since 1993, rising to temporary chief inspector before her retirement. He said the PSNI has lost an experienced and diligent officer and offered to meet her to apologise in person.

Merrick welcomed the apology but said it was very late, coming nearly three and a half years after the tribunal decision. She described her emotions as mixed, finding the apology validating but questioning the delay.

Rachel Powderly of Edwards Solicitors, who represented Merrick, said the apology acknowledges the profound impact on her client. Powderly said Merrick showed courage and determination, and she hopes lessons are learned to prevent similar treatment.

Former Police Ombudsman Baroness Nuala O'Loan said the situation raises questions about how such discrimination occurred recently and damages trust in policing. She said the PSNI's words on diversity and inclusion must have meaning, and she noted that the low number of women in the police force can facilitate a culture of misogyny.

Merrick stated that the tribunal judgment described Campbell's actions as malicious and scurrilous, going to the heart of her integrity and professionalism. She said these are serious failings that represent a fundamental breach of PSNI values.