GMTV reporter claims £500,000 in compensation after being 'sacked over epileptic fit fears'

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Louise Port, 31, is claiming almost £500,000 for alleged disability discrimination and loss of earnings after she was sacked in July 2006.

Miss Port said she was forced out of her £38,000 a year job after she was diagnosed with epilepsy.

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Discrimination claim: News reporter Louise Port claims she was sacked after GMTV bosses feared she would have 'an epiletic' fit while at work, and cause the company embarrassment

During a hearing at Croydon Employment Tribunal, the news reporter claimed former GMTV managing editor John Scammell and deputy news editor Malcolm Douglas ran a deliberate campaign against her in an effort to cause her stress and make her condition worse.

Former GMTV managing editor John Scammell

Miss Port's lawyer claimed Scammell and Douglas tried to prevent her from going out of the office for her job and prevented her from working nights because of the possible embarrassment to GMTV if she had a fit.

Ironically Scammell has recently resigned from the company weeks after he was banned from attending any company Christmas lunches after being found slumped over his desk after a boozy lunch last December.

Miss Porter said she was sent home on sick leave against her will and not given the option of working days, even though she said there were day shifts available which were being filled by freelancers.

At the same time another reporter who also had health problems was looking for a day time position and the offer was withdrawn, meaning Miss Port and her colleague were competing for the role.

After the other candidate was given the job Mr Douglas sacked Miss Port by telephone.

The hearing continues.