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Two female gun cops have won a sex discrimination claim because weapons were too big for their hands.

Victoria Wheatley and Rachael Giles, described as “petite in stature with small hands” could not reach the triggers of their Glock 17 pistols and their trainers failed to adjust them during test shoots.

Both officers, in their 30s, are part of the armed Civil Nuclear Constabulary and they protect power stations at Sellafield in Cumbria and Chapelcross in Scotland.

Their lawyer Binder Bansel said the pair were at a disadvantage in gun tests “which could lead to the officer being dismissed”. They had also regularly protested about too-large helmets and kneepads.

A tribunal found the CNC guilty of indirect sex discrimination but dismissed claims of victimisation.

They are both set to receive a payout of £35,000 each, but it is expected there will be an appeal.

Civil Nuclear Police Federation chief Nigel Dennis said he hoped the force would now act to make sure all of its officers get a fair opportunity.

Mr Bansel said the duo may get compensation for loss of overtime but the case was to end unfairness.

He said: "Since 1997, every officer joining at the rank of Constable or Sergeant is required to train to recognised standards as an AFO and maintain the standard. There is a cycle of annual training shoots, with usually two development training days in a year and a further two development days, which conclude with a Qualification Shoot.

"Continued failure at these shoot days results in an unsatisfactory assessment, which could lead to the officer being dismissed. The Constabulary failed to take the necessary steps to prevent female officers being disadvantaged."