MOTOR manufacturer Nissan last night said its reputation was vindicated after a former employee's claims were rejected by a tribunal.

Former mechanic Alan Richardson said he was dismissed by the international car company to cover up his complaints of shoddy workmanship and malpractice at the Wearside plant.

The 42-year-old father-of-two, of Barrington Drive, Glebe, Washington, Wearside, said he became a victim of bullying and harassment on the shop-floor for refusing to allow faulty and dangerous cars to leave the production line.

He was suspended three days after he submitted a dossier outlining his claims in June 2000.

But in response, John Cavanagh QC, for the company, told the Newcastle tribunal that Mr Richardson's allegations had been thoroughly investigated and were ridiculous.

He said the company tried to encourage Mr Richardson back to work but, in July 2001, after an absence of more than a year, felt it had no choice but to dismiss him because of "an irretrievable breakdown in trust and confidence".

Following a six-week hearing, the tribunal yesterday dismissed Mr Richardson's claims on all counts.

Tribunal chairman Tudor Garnon went through every complaint raised and dismissed Mr Richardson's allegations, praising Nissan for its thorough investigation.

Following the hearing, Mr Cavanagh said: "We could not have written the decision better ourselves."

A company statement last night said Nissan was pleased, but not surprised by the tribunal decision.

It said: "Throughout this hearing, there has been a succession of wild, inaccurate and often absurd allegations made about Nissan staff and procedures.

"These claims were not only groundless, but most were not even relevant to Mr Richardson's case.

"All of these allegations were made by a former employee, dismissed by the company nearly four years ago, and are baseless.

"On numerous occasions throughout this hearing, it has been alleged Nissan would somehow stand to gain by letting sub-standard cars leave the plant.

"This is complete and utter nonsense.

"Any manufacturer failing to build cars to customers' satisfaction would lose on all fronts, financially, commercially and operationally."

The costs of the case have yet to be resolved.

Mr Richardson did not want to comment after the case.