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Apprentice winner loses tribunal

A former winner of The Apprentice, Stella English, has lost her tribunal claim against Lord Sugar for constructive dismissal. The judge said: "This was a claim which should never have been brought."

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Sugar: Apprentice claimant 'underestimated me'

Lord Sugar said in a statement that Stella English's claim was "a derisory attempt to smear [his] name" and her reputation "is now in tatters".

I am pleased that the tribunal has returned this verdict and feel vindicated in the judgment that myself, my companies, the BBC, the TV production company and my staff acted properly throughout Ms. English's employment.

There was never a case for us to answer but her need for money and fame meant that the whole system was subjected to this charade.

I have been cleared of a derisory attempt to smear my name and extract money from me.

The allegations were without substance, and I believe this case was brought with one intention in mind - the presumption that I would not attend the tribunal, that I would not testify and that I would settle out-of-court, sending Ms. English on her way with a tidy settlement.

I'm afraid she underestimated me and her reputation is now in tatters. I have principles and I am not going to be forced to compromise them, no matter how much time and money they might cost me.

– Lord Sugar

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Apprentice winner has 'used media as a weapon' says lawyer

Lord Sugar and Stella English Credit: Ian West/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Lord Sugar said he feels "wronged" by a former winner of the Apprentice who is currently suing him for constructive dismissal, an employment tribunal heard today.

Stella English, 34, from Whitstable, Kent, claims she was treated as an "overpaid lackey" after winning series six of the BBC1 programme.

Giving legal submissions today, Lord Sugar's representative Seamus Sweeney said: "The claimant has, in the eyes of Lord Sugar, deliberately courted the media with a view of damaging his reputation."

He told how Ms English had "sold her story" to the press several times and accused her of being a "headline-grabber", deliberately sensationalising aspects of her evidence.

He told the tribunal the same was true of Ms English, adding: "Using the media, in this case, was a weapon of choice... It was a first weapon of choice."

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Stella English arrives for Apprentice tribunal

Stella English arrives at East London Tribunal Courts Credit: Philip Toscano/PA Wire

Stella English arrived at East London Tribunal Courts this morning. The employment tribunal involving Lord Sugar and the winner of 2010's The Apprentice, is expected to conclude today.

Stella English waves to photographers as she arrives at East London Tribunal Courts Credit: Philip Toscano/PA Wire

Read: Lord Sugar claims 'blackmail' in Apprentice tribunal

Apprentice employment tribunal could conclude today

Lord Sugar seen outside the East London Employment Tribunal Service at Anchorage House in East India Quay, London. Credit: PA

The employment tribunal involving Lord Sugar and Stella English, the winner of 2010's The Apprentice, is likely to conclude today.

English, 34, is suing the former Amstrad owner for constructive dismissal.

This morning's hearing begins at 10am in east London.

Lord Sugar claims 'blackmail' in Apprentice tribunal

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