HM Land Registry solicitor ordered to pay costs for vindictive claim

A former Assistant Land Registrar has been ordered to pay costs following a failed employment tribunal claim against HM Land Registry (HMLR). Employment Judge Povey described the conduct of Paul Farthing as “vindictive, calculated, threatening, alarming, egregious, outrageous and distasteful.”

Mr Farthing, who was dismissed for gross misconduct in November 2023, pursued claims of unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, and disability discrimination. The tribunal rejected these claims on their merits. The judge noted 32 instances of misconduct, including making unsubstantiated and serious allegations against HMLR staff, witnesses, and legal counsel.

As a result of the misconduct, which included reporting lawyers to the police and suing a former colleague for malicious falsehood, the claimant was ordered to pay £30,000 in costs. The judge noted that Mr Farthing’s behavior had caused witnesses to feel intimidated, with some seeking anonymity or permission to avoid giving oral evidence.