Jailed killer sues for unfair sacking

A man convicted of murdering his married lover is taking his former employers, Royal Mail, to an employment tribunal for sacking him.

By The Newsroom

Published 16th Dec 2010, 10:08 BST

Updated 16th Dec 2010, 10:08 BST

Roger Kearney, 57, was convicted earlier this year at Winchester Crown Court of stabbing Paula Poolton, 40.

The pair were lovers and Kearney stabbed her seven times in October 2008 and left her body in the boot of her car.

Despite being ordered to serve a minimum of 15 years for the killing, father-of-two Kearney is claiming unfair dismissal from the Royal Mail for the loss of the 400 a week job.

In a statement, the company said: "Mr Kearney's dismissal was in accordance with Royal Mail's very comprehensive employment procedures.

"Royal Mail will defend its position vigorously at this tribunal.

"We do not feel that it is right, or in the public interest, for a criminal convicted of such a serious crime to bring an action of this kind."

The case is listed to be heard at Reading Employment Tribunal today.

Kearney will not attend.

Royal Mail