Published: 10/01/2001, Volume 112, No. 5787 Page 6

A former trust chief executive who was sacked, despite being cleared of charges of sexual harassment by an employment tribunal, has ended his legal case for unfair dismissal with a confidential settlement thought to be worth around£300,000.

Colin Jones, who was on a salary of£77,000, was sacked from his post at Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre trust last year, despite having previously been cleared of harassing a member of staff by an employment tribunal.

Following further complaints, Mr Jones was suspended and sacked after failing to attend an internal hearing on four occasions due to sickness. He subsequently lodged a case with an employment tribunal and the High Court, claiming unfair dismissal and wrongful termination of contract.

Mr Jones said: 'I am pleased that this matter has now been concluded on terms acceptable to both parties. I wish the NOC every success for the future.'

Trust chair Joanna Foster said the trust was 'pleased a line has been drawn under this matter'.