David Robinson v Coleraine Borough Council [2014]

The claimant had worked for the respondent as Principal Building Control Officer and was employed for approximately 18 years up to the date of his dismissal in June 2013. He claimed unfair dismissal, alleging that the penalty of dismissal was disproportionate for the misconduct alleged. 

At the core of the case was a property which had failed to apply for planning permission and was the subject of an investigation by the respondent. The claimant, in his professional role, was involved in the correspondence with the owners of the property, informing them of the need to apply. 

After the property was repossessed and put on the market for sale, the claimant and his wife purchased it. A