A property tycoon was yesterday accused of firing a husband-and-wife team who worked for him after a row over a roast chicken.

Kevin Cash hired Francisco and Maria de Sousa, left, to work at his £16m country pile in North Aston as an estate manager and housekeeper.

They worked for him for three-and-a-half years and lived in an estate cottage.

However, on December 12, 2009, Mr Cash sacked them both after his dinner was served too early.

An employment tribunal at Reading heard how Mrs de Sousa, who was cook at North Aston Hall, was told by Mr Cash’s wife Carla to make roast chicken for 6pm.

Mr de Sousa said: “At 6pm I went upstairs and said dinner was ready. Mr Cash said that dinner was not to be served at six, but at 7pm. I apologised and said that wasn’t a problem.

“Mr Cash was out of control “He shouted ‘get out now, you are both fired’.”

Mr Cash said that he was not liable for unfair dismissal because the couple were contracted to a property company called Oakmere.

The tribunal continues.