A French polisher who claimed he was unfairly sacked when he refused to switch off his mobile phone at work has won his case.

John Barrow, from Brighton, had claimed he was unfairly dismissed by his former bosses at British Antique Exporters (Replicas) in Burgess Hill.

The company, which employs more than 30 staff and has been operating for almost 40 years, denied treating him unfairly.

The tribunal heard evidence for two days earlier this year and has just announced its decision.

A further hearing will take place on Monday to decide the amount of compensation Mr Barrow will receive.

Mr Barrow told the tribunal he needed his phone switched on because he had personal problems and wanted his family to be able to contact him.

When he refused to keep his phone turned off, he was given one week's notice and told to leave immediately.

He said because of his frustration he voiced a catalogue of complaints about the way the company was run before he left.

He also admitted calling one of his managers abusive names, including describing him as a "Stone Age retard."

The company denied sacking Mr Barrow and accused him of walking out when it refused to lift the ban on staff using mobile phones in the workshop.

The tribunal heard the company felt mobile phones should not be used in the workshop because a spark from one could create a fire risk.

The firm provided a phone in an office that staff could use for private calls.