AN Ipswich gents' hairdresser has today been cleared of forcing out a worker by belittling him in front of clients.Kelvin Watt had claimed that his departure from Capelli's gents' hairdressers amounted to a sacking.

AN Ipswich gents' hairdresser has today been cleared of forcing out a worker by belittling him in front of clients.

Kelvin Watt had claimed that his departure from Capelli's gents' hairdressers amounted to a sacking.

He took his case to an employment tribunal but today saw his unfair dismissal and breach of contract claims thrown out.

The 22-year-old, from Whitland Close, Stoke Park, alleged that salon owner Mario Ianelli had called him a "stupid boy" and sworn at him while customers were present.

Mr Watt, a hairdresser for six years, told the hearing at Bury St Edmunds that he was called to a meeting with Mr Ianelli on March 3.

At that meeting he was told of a complaint from a customer and offered the chance to either retrain or leave, said Mr Watt.

He chose to walk out, claiming he could not face any more name calling.

Mr Watt admitted however that he had never challenged his treatment.

He said: "I did mind, but in such a small working place I was too nervous to say anything."

Giving evidence, Mr Ianelli strongly denied the allegations.

He said he had become concerned about the "erratic" standard of Mr Watt's work, which at times could be very good.

Mr Ianelli said: "There was nothing wrong with his fingers or hands, it was just his mind that used to wander."

The meeting had been aimed at restoring Mr Watt's confidence, he said, and not securing his departure.

Mr Ianelli said he had previously had to speak with Mr Watt on at least a dozen occasions about his work.