The relationship between Berin and Trudi Riley hit the rocks when he allegedly cheated on her. It was one thing when she moved out along with their five-year-old daughter. But, it was quite another when he informed her he was firing her from their company - by email. (Evening Standard Lite)
The couple launched their international Internet-based company Channelmoving.com in Kent, England in 2003, and it soon had a fleet of vehicles. Mrs Riley, an office assistant, accompanied her husband at corporate events, including a champagne lunch with local MP and former Tory leader Michael Howard to recognize the success of their business.
"I found out about the affair in August and felt desperately hurt - I went on working because I enjoyed my job and didn't want to leave," said Mrs. Riley.
But, Mr. Riley, who denies having an affair, claimed that his wife stopped coming to work. He claims that he sent the email only after she failed to turn up for work.
"But she basically didn't turn up for three months. It was damaging the business so I sent an email saying if she doesn't come back to work, she perhaps shouldn't come back," he said. "I admit I didn't follow the correct procedures and should have given a verbal or written warning."
Now, a tribunal has found she was unfairly dismissed, saying the alleged affair had caused "fatal damage to the marriage". It awarded her £3,000 in lost earnings.
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