Stuart Millington: Top fire officer’s behaviour criticised in report

“Evidence has been found that [Mr Roberts] felt intimidated by [Mr Millington’s] actions towards him,” the report said.

“As the issues arose as a result of [Mr Roberts’] actions as a trade union representative, the investigator therefore believes that there is a prima facie case that [Mr Millington’s] actions against [Mr Roberts’] may amount to discrimination/harassment on the grounds of trade union activity.”

It said: “The investigation has upheld a number of the factual allegations made by [Mr Roberts] against [Mr Millington].

“The conduct complained of (if upheld) may also amount to bullying and harassment which amounts to misconduct or gross misconduct,” the report added.

The respondents denied the allegations made by Mr Roberts.

They had claimed Ms Thomas had been “concerned by the tone taken by the claimant” in the Telegram messages.

On Thursday, a preliminary hearing for the tribunal sitting heard from former colleagues and FBU officials.

Representing the respondents, Jonathan Walters accused FBU south Wales brigade chair Gareth Tovey of a “political campaign that the FBU are indulging in”, which Mr Tovey denied.

Duncan Stewart Ball, regional secretary of the FBU, said on visits to the service’s control room “it was clear members of staff were scared and worried to speak out”.

“We were informed repeatedly that they would be questioned by [the control management team] following our visit, as to what was said and by whom”.

Ruth Bateman, a brigade organiser of the FBU, said in her statement she had taken phone calls from numerous FBU control members asking for assistance and support “as they felt thought they couldn’t approach members of [the control management team] and supporting members who have described the culture in control as toxic and not a nice working environment”.

North Wales fire service has applied to have the case thrown out, arguing Mr Roberts waited too long in making his claim.

Tribunal judge Stephen Povey adjourned the hearing to consider their application.