NOTW reporter to fight unfair dismissal claim ‘to the end’

FORMER News of the World chief reporter Neville Thurlbeck has insisted he took “no part” in the matter which led to his sacking.

Mr Thurlbeck, who was arrested in April by Scotland Yard detectives investigating phone hacking at the now-defunct Sunday tabloid, was fired earlier this month.

In a strongly-worded statement, he vowed to fight his unfair dismissal claim against publishers News International “to the end”.

Mr Thurlbeck’s alleged role in the phone hacking scandal has been closely scrutinised after details emerged of an email sent in June 2005 which was headed “for Neville” and contained transcripts of illegally intercepted voicemail messages.

The email, which surfaced in April 2008, seemed to contradict News International’s previous stance that hacking was confined to a single “rogue reporter”.

Mr Thurlbeck, 49, alleged yesterday his former employers withheld the reason for his dismissal from him for nearly a month.

He said he found out from Scotland Yard why he was sacked, but for legal reasons did not reveal any details.

In a statement issued by his law firm, DWF, he continued: “I took no part in the matter which has led to my dismissal after 21 years of service.”

Mr Thurlbeck has lodged employment tribunal papers against his former employers. A hearing in his case planned to take place at the East London Tribunal Service yesterday was adjourned.

News International said in a statement: “News International is not able to comment on circumstances regarding any individual.

It said: “News International continues to co-operate fully with the Metropolitan Police Service in its investigations into phone hacking and police payments.”