Officer sacked for 'his own good'

However, chairman of the Birmingham employment tribunal John Van Gelder described the sacking decision as "peculiar".

The officer, Steve Evans, was applying for compensation for unfair dismissal from his job at the Environment Agency based in Stourport Road after being employed from 1996 until February 2001.

Mr Evans, who is in his 30s, said he felt the management let him down and left him exposed to bullying and harassment.

He said his allegations were investigated, but as far as he was aware a report on the outcome was never made available.

Mr Evans had carried out an investigation on a landfill site close to the Stewpony Hotel, near Stourbridge, which has since been demolished to make way for housing.

He discovered oil and other substances had been illegally dumped on the site, causing contamination.

"Despite my evidence no prosecutions were made," he said.

He said he became ill and was dismissed while on sick leave - without consultation.

Mr Evans denied claims by the management that he was aggressive and had "personality traits".

Agency personnel officer Sally Stewart told the tribunal there had been concern about Mr Evans' behaviour.

She said the investigation had revealed that Mr Evans' 37 allegations of bullying and harassment were unfounded.

"His behaviour appeared to be escalating and it was decided to put him on special leave," said Miss Stewart.

"Steve Morley, the area manager and myself, held a meeting which Mr Evans did not attend, and it was decided that it would be better for Mr Evans if he was dismissed rather than make himself ill again by having to meet the challenge of the job."

Mr Van Gelder said: "That seems a rather peculiar choice".

The tribunal will make a decision within 28 days.

Christine Smart, co-ordinator of the Fight Landfill Action Group involved in the Stewpony site, attended the tribunal but did not give evidence.