A WIDOW is taking a wealthy landowner to an industrial tribunal claiming unfair dismissal on behalf of her late husband.

The late Victor Hunt had worked for Edward Lane Fox - former owner of the up-market estate agents of the same name - for more than 25 years when he was sacked.

Just two months later, the 59-year-old farm manager committed suicide.

Now his widow, Carol Hunt, who lived rent-free at Bignell Park Farm estate, Chesterton, near Bicester, has brought her husband's case to a tribunal months after his death.

A tribunal at Reading yesterday (THURS) heard thathow the fox hunt-loving Mr Lane Fox had also paid all the couple's bills, put money into a pension fund and provided health benefits.

The landowner, who runs a string of other businesses, employed Mr Hunt around the end of 1971 when he bought the estate.

He had known his new farm manager's wife for five years before.

Two years ago the relationship between Mr Lane Fox and the Hunts began to deteriorate two years ago, after Mr Hunt suffered a blood clot on the brain. Mr Hunt suffered a blood clot on the brain and continued to do his job, but Mr Lane Fox said he began to acted out of character.

The situation that winter worsened and Mr Lane Fox said Mr Hunt was not well and did not often leave his farmhouse.

Last winter the pair disagreed about the running of the farm and Mr Lane Fox suggested Mr Hunt might retire.

When Mr Hunt didn't reply to a letter in July about new farming systems - despite being threatened with the sack if he didn't - he was dismissed.

The tribunal continues.

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