A PANEL that chose to dismiss the former clerk of Malvern Town Council was labelled “a kangaroo court” at an employment tribunal today (October 14).

Richard Chapman was sacked by a second-tier appeal panel in April, despite an initial disciplinary hearing deeming allegations of bullying and harassment worthy of just a first written warning.

At the tribunal in Birmingham, Richard Hignett, who is representing Mr Chapman, claimed the appeal panel – led by Councillor Jeremy Thomas – wanted the clerk out.

Mr Chapman was sacked on the grounds of gross misconduct.

Mr Hignett said to Cllr Thomas: “You presided over a kangaroo court, didn’t you?

“You didn’t have a clue what you were doing and were determined to see the dismissal of the clerk at all costs.

“It’s as obvious as the day is long.”

Cllr Thomas said he “totally” denied the accusation and described “a picture..becoming clear of systematic bullying” by Mr Chapman.

He said the appeal panel had followed a process of natural justice.

Mr Hignett told the tribunal that on April 2, the day before the appeal panel was due to sit, Mr Chapman withdrew his appeal.

However, the panel carried on regardless and their findings saw them summarily dismiss Mr Chapman on April 3, on the grounds of gross misconduct.

Mr Chapman alleges unfair dismissal.

A letter of complaint by staff members after the first verdict was part of “new evidence” considered by the appeal panel, the tribunal heard.

Cllr Thomas said: “We felt as a panel that the original decision was perverse.”

David Summers, on behalf of the town council, described widespread allegations of bullying by Mr Chapman, including one alleged incident which saw a member of staff have “a breakdown”, forcing them to have time off.

Ten out of 12 staff members at the council spoke of bullying incidents, Mr Summers said: “Every single member of staff is saying the same thing.”

However, Mr Chapman rejected these claims and said: “I felt that it was stacked against me.”

He described an investigation by Angela Roberts into his actions as “appearing to be a fishing trip”.

Mr Chapman was suspended on October 11, 2013 after a complaint was lodged by a member of staff.

Cllr Helen I’Anson, who chaired the original disciplinary panel, told the tribunal that “there was concern about bias of [the two other] panel members”, Cllrs Brian Regimbeau and Paul Tuthill.

Cllr I’Anson said she had “misgivings” about Cllr Tuthill, but these were not raised until after the panel had made its decision to give Mr Chapman a first written warning.

The tribunal continues.