Is Murder "Good Cause" for Discharge?

Roger Kearney murdered his married lover after she started pressuring him to leave his partner for her.  He was convicted and got 15 years.  Kearney's employer, the Royal Mail (he was a postal worker), fired him.  Now Kearney is bringing an Employment Tribunal claim for unfair dismissal.  A spokesperson for Royal Mail indicates that "Royal Mail will defend its position vigorously at this tribunal."

As PJH Law points out, even if murder does not constitute good cause, perhaps absenteeism is.

For the complete story (with photos), see BBC News.

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