Veteran newsreader Laurie Mayer faces a three-week wait before he learns the outcome of his employment tribunal against the BBC.

The panel presiding over the hearing reserved judgement when the case adjourned yesterday.

Mr Mayer, 59, who was the main presenter for South East Today until June last year, claims he was forced out of his job because he blew the whistle on bullying.

He says he was harassed from his £69,000-a-year post and launched his claim for unfair dismissal.

The tribunal in Ashford, Kent, has heard how Mr Mayer stormed out of the studios moments before he was due to go on air following a bitter row with senior management.

Seven allegations of bullying were made by staff against senior manager Davina Reynolds, the panel was told.

However, head of news Laura Ellis said Mr Mayer was sacked for editorial reasons.

She said he was not committed to the programme and described his attitude as dismissive.

The panel said they would now consider several complex legal issues in the case.