A Forestry Commission worker, who alleged he was bullied and harassed at work, has had his claim for hundreds of thousands of pounds in compensation dismissed at the High Court.Martin Lipscombe, of Stone Road, Uttoxeter, pictured, said he was plunged into the depths of despair by his treatment, eventually leaving work in October 2004.

But yesterday Judge Nigel Wilkinson QC cleared the Forestry Commission of any wrongdoing.

"I have found no evidence of conduct targeted at Mr Lipscombe calculated to cause distress, and I have found no conduct that could be deemed to be oppressive or unreasonable," said the judge.

He said Mr Lipscombe, who represented himself in the five-day High Court hearing, had put his case with "restraint and respect".

But Judge Wilkinson observed that Mr Lipscombe, aged in his late 50s, had "persuaded himself there was a generalised conspiracy against him which has taken him over in these proceedings".

The judge ordered that Mr Lipscombe pay the legal costs of the Forestry Commission, which could amount to as much as £100,000.

However it is unclear how much, if anything, he will be able to contribute, as the court heard he owes £47,000 to credit card companies, and his outgoings are higher than his income.

Outside court, Mr Lipscombe said: "I'm relieved it's all over. I was in a bad state in 2003, and all I wanted was my health back, it was never about the money. I really felt I had a claim."

In a written statement, the Forestry Commission said: "We had various meetings with Mr Lipscombe, including the use of an independent mediator, to try and resolve the matter. These all proved to be unsuccessful.

"It is unfortunate that Mr Lipscombe's case has taken such a great deal of our time and public money to defend. However, we are a very fair employer and have acted responsibly."

Mr Lipscombe resigned by email in October 2004, but argued he was effectively dismissed because he was left with little choice but to quit.

Source: This Is The Sentinel

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