An Oxfordshire sergeant is among six police officers who have taken the police to court to fight for medical pensions after suffering from stress and depression, writes Emma Henry.

Sgt Keith Bennett, who works in Bicester, a detective chief inspector and a detective inspector are among the officers who claim working for Thames Valley Police has made them ill.

It comes at a time when the Police Federation claims bullying by other officers, overwork and poor pay are among the problems today's officers are forced to work under.

Anthony Hudson, representing all six officers, told yesterday's hearing at Reading Crown Court that five claimed Thames Valley Police had blocked them from being checked by specified doctors, preventing any medical pension payments being made.

He said Pc Michael Peters had to make appointments with a consultant dermatologist and psychologist before Thames Valley Police would allow him to see one of their doctors.

Det Insp Ian Pusey, he said, had suffered from depression and that was why he was seeking a retirement pension. Mr Hudson declined to say what the other four officers Det Ch Insp Harvey Grimwood, Sgt Bennett, Pc Richard Colliass and Det Con Thomas Redpath had suffered from, but said their symptoms included depression and stress.

The officers have to prove they are eligible to leave the force early and qualify for an early retirement pension because of a medical condition brought about by their police work.

The five will now be given medical examinations within the next three months.

Det Ch Insp Grimwood will have to wait for another hearing on November 24 before he finds out whether he will be allowed a medical.

Pc Wally Cox, of the Police Federation, said: The police force is one of the most stressful professions.

You would be amazed by the way I have seen colleagues change through stress."

Mary Noone, representing Thames Valley Police, said: "We are endeavouring to put a protocol on these matters in place to avoid coming to court like this in the future."