A tanker driver who told police he believed he had uncovered a terrorist plot to blow up the BP oil terminal at Kingsbury, near Birmingham, was later sacked after a confrontation with his boss.
In a statement to a Birmingham Employment Tribunal, where he was seeking compensation for unfair dismissal against BP Oil UK, Alan Jenkins said he was delivering fuel to Sainsbury's service station at Derby when he was approached by two Asian men on the forecourt.
He said he was asked questions and the two men photographed him and his truck. When he asked what was going on he said the men told him the Kingsbury terminal was going to be blown up. "I dialled 999 and immediately informed the police," Jenkins told the Tribunal. "I then contacted my terminal."
Jenkins said he was surprised and upset when his boss told him to make another delivery to the same Sainsbury's service station. "I did not think it right that I should go back," he said. "I admit I was scared and feared I might be a sitting duck if the Asians made another approach."
Jenkins said the situation led to a phone conversation with his boss who accused him of adopting a threatening attitude - an allegation he denied.
The firm told the tribunal that it believed it had been justified in dismissing Jenkins for gross misconduct after upholding his boss's allegation of a threatening attitude.
Tribunal chairman Asleem Ahmed decided BP had acted within reasonable bounds and dismissed Jenkins claim for unfair dismissal. However, it dismissed a claim by BP for £10,000 costs against Jenkins.
Related used vehicles for sale
