Office bullies taped me to chair, says civil servant

A WOMAN who claims she was taped to a chair by male colleagues at a Scottish government agency told a tribunal she became a recluse because of the bullying.

Deeann Fitzpatrick said she experienced a racist and misogynistic culture while working for Marine Scotland, and once contacted the Swiss Dignitas clinic.

In a pre-tribunal hearing she said she was taped to a chair and gagged in 2010 at the agency’s Scrabster office in the north of Scotland. It is understood the tribunal cannot consider the claim as it was said to have taken place more than three years before a complaint was made.

Ms Fitzpatrick, of Janetstown, near Thurso, told the tribunal she felt intimidated after being sent anonymous cards. She alleged colleagues Derek Yule and Reid Anderson were responsible. Both men deny sending the cards.

The hearing continues.