A GRIEVING deputy harbourmaster, who was left 'broken' when sacked two days after his wife’s funeral following a boat mooring dispute, has won a legal claim for unfair dismissal.

A Southampton employment tribunal judge has ruled Jeremy Butcher, 56, was unfairly dismissed by the Yarmouth Harbour Commission — but his basic and compensatory awards will be reduced by 85 per cent as a result of his conduct.

Mr Butcher, a former Metropolitan police detective who had been commended for his work there, was sacked in November, 2017, for alleged gross misconduct — two days after the funeral of his wife.

It followed a dispute about boat moorings and fees — the commission alleged he had moored his boat in the wrong berth between May and July that year.

At the time of his sacking, Mr Butcher said he was 'broken' by the decision.

He said he had bought the boat so he and his wife Sarah could spend their remaining time together after she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

He denied breaching harbour rules and said he had acted properly and professionally.

The judge said Mr Butcher's conduct was 'seriously blameworthy.'

He said: “There was an element of deliberate misuse of his position of not seeking a change of licence or paying day rates initially, albeit I accept he probably intended to put the position right retrospectively."

He said some employers might have decided not to dismiss, perhaps taking into account his clean record and tragic circumstances.

Mr Butcher said: "I have said from the outset the reason I took it to a tribunal was to clear my name, and to make sure it doesn't happen again to anyone at the harbour.

"I want to give the harbour time to reflect on what they have done and to review their options."

Harbourmaster Tim Adams said: "The tribunal provided a balanced judgement and I am satisfied with the tribunal's findings.

"The tribunal found a procedural flaw in the appeal process which led to a finding of unfair dismissal.

"However, when dealing with aspects of Mr Butcher's conduct, the judge came to the conclusion that Mr Butcher occupied a position of responsibility and trust, which was undermined by his conduct in this matter."

A one-day remedy hearing will take place on August 1.

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