A SUFFOLK air steward is today due to take on Formula One giant Ron Dennis at an employment tribunal.

Jessica Gallagher

A SUFFOLK air steward is today due to take on Formula One giant Ron Dennis at an employment tribunal.

Peter Boland of Birch Road, Onehouse near Stowmarket is due to appear at a tribunal in Southampton after claiming he was sacked because fellow staff thought he was gay.

He had worked on Mr Dennis's private jet but claims he was fired without notice in 2007.

And it has emerged that Foruma One ace Lewis Hamilton could be called to give evidence at the ten day hearing.

Mr Boland is taking the action against Absolute Taste Ltd, Greyscape which runs the private jet that he worked on.

He is also taking action against the McClaren Group and Mr Dennis himself.

At a preliminary hearing last year, an employment tribunal chairman heard how Mr Boland thought he was being treated differently after rumours spread that he was gay.

He complained about his treatment but claims he was then fired without notice in 2007.

His solicitor Andrew Allen told the hearing that before the rumours spread Mr Boland had got on well with his boss.

Mr Boland has launched a claim including unfair dismissal, discrimination or victimisation on grounds of sexual orientation and breach of contract.

However at last year's hearing Jane Mulcahy representing the companies told the panel that Mr Boland had been sacked after he fell asleep on the plane while on duty.