A blind man has been left 'humiliated' after a Marks and Spencer security guard ordered him to take his guide dog and leave the shop.
Dave Kent, a senior executive at the charity Guide Dogs, was unlawfully told by a security guard to leave an M&S in Mortlake, west London, last Friday.
He was shopping for clothes with a friend when the pair were stopped on the way to the checkout.
The 62-year-old, who has been blind since the age of 18, said he was "curtly" told to leave along with his guide dog, Faldo.
After Mr Kent complained of his illegal treatment, he claimed the M&S manager offered him just a complimentary cup of tea and an apology.
He told The Guardian the incident felt like a “kick in the nuts”.
He said: "All I want to do is go to Marks & Spencers and do what any seeing person would do in the course of their day.
"And I want to do it unhindered. I am sickened by these security guards."
According to the charity, Guide Dogs, three quarters of dog owners have been illegally turned away from public buildings.
After being left angry about the incident, Mr Kent wrote to the chief executive of M&S, Steve Rowe, to express his dismay.
He wrote: “Whilst the response from the manager was polite and measured, this incident left me feeling utterly wretched.
"To be publicly humiliated in this fashion in sight of other shoppers and members of staff, left my dignity in tatters.
“Guide dogs are provided to visually impaired people to support them with freedom and independence.
"And to be challenged in this way, when all I wanted to do was to go about my lawful business unmolested, like any other citizen, is absolutely unacceptable.”
A spokesperson for M&S said: “What happened is unacceptable and we sincerely apologise to Mr Kent.
"Our stores should be accessible for everyone and we welcome assistance dogs.
"We have worked with the Royal National Institute of Blind People to develop online assistance dog awareness training, which all of our colleagues complete.”
They added: “We are picking up with our security providers to ensure guards across stores are fully aware of our approach and are contacting Mr Kent to apologise directly.”
The incident follows after a woman said she was left "embarrassed" after claiming her hidden disability was disregarded and she was misgendered by a Marks & Spencer employee.
Tay Beales, 22, was shopping on Exeter High Street with her girlfriend Freya when they decided to go into the M&S to look for homeware items.
However, when Tay, who suffers from epilepsy, had to use the loo she tried to go to the disabled toilets but says a staff member turned her away saying she was "not disabled".
She said the staff members also ushered her into the men's toilet.
A spokesperson for M&S apologised for the incident.
