A TRAFFIC warden who claims she was driven out of her job while she was sick has told of her dismay at losing her right to sue Durham Police.

Kim Husband spoke out after an industrial tribunal in Newcastle overturned its earlier decision to allow her case to proceed, despite it being brought four years 'out of time.'

Miss Husband said an 'oppressive regime' introduced by a change in management and problems with her neighbours at a former address had contributed toward depressive illness, which prevented her from attending a disciplinary hearing at which she was dismissed.

She added that losing her job had caused a collapse in her health and she started drinking heavily. Miss Husband of Seventh Avenue, Chester-le-Street, said she had not instituted proceedings within the required three-month cut-off point, because of her medical condition - an argument upheld by the earlier tribunal hearing.

But Seamus Sweeney, representing Durham Police, appealed against the decision arguing the tribunal had not placed the correct interpretation on case law.

And he pointed out that Miss Husband's illness was alcohol-related and therefore self-induced.

A Durham Police spokesman said Miss Husband had been dismissed for bringing the force into disrepute, by her inappropriate behaviour in public houses when she was dressed in her uniform.

It also related to her drunkenness at home which led to disturbances and the police being called out.

She was also dismissed for failing to notify management within a reasonable time of her absence and an unacceptable level of non-attendance.

He said: "She was told she had a right to appeal but did not exercise this right. Clearly she had significant alcohol problems induced by what, in her troubled life, is unknown.

"But there is no medical evidence that would have precluded her from launching an appeal."