Firefighter in 'sex act' joke loses bid to keep his job

A FIREFIGHTER sacked after allegedly simulating a sex act in the foyer of student flats, while dozens of evacuated residents were outside, has lost his unfair dismissal claim.

Stephen Hall, 31, was dismissed by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue after being found guilty of gross misconduct.

Mr Hall denied he simulated a sex act with a colleague at the accommodation in Glasgow, in November 2006 or acted in an abusive manner.

A Glasgow employment tribunal heard earlier that several students had complained about the time they had to remain outside on a cold, wet night following the false alarm.

Mr Hall admitted he had been involved in "horseplay" but denied he had been simulating a sexual act at the pool table. He said there was nothing "malicious" in his actions.

The tribunal heard a firefighter who had bent over the pool table got a written warning. The colleague, with whom Mr Hall performed the alleged act, was not disciplined.

Mr Hall, of Clydebank, who previously had an impeccable record, including helping to save a fellow officer's life, said he was disgusted at his dismissal and appealed.

The tribunal ruled he was not unfairly dismissed.