Professor loses court action against Leeds

A professor has lost his claim that his employer, Leeds University, drove him to a nervous breakdown.

Esmail Foumeny, a professor of chemical engineering, resigned as head of department in 1997 as a protest against a university-wide reorganisation. He went on sick leave and was dismissed by the university two years later. He had also alleged racial discrimination.

The judgment from Leeds High Court said the professor's stress and subsequent illness were "largely self-generated" and caused by "his own stance and actions". The university was found not to be in breach of its duty of care at any stage.