AN Asian worker at a racial equality centre has won £63,000 in compensation after her boss forced her to cook him fish curries and chapattis.

Shakila Ali took Jamiel Bux, the director of the North-East Centre for Diversity and Racial Equality, to a tribunal, saying he sexually and racially discriminated against her.

After a ten-day hearing, the tribunal unanimously ruled against 41-year-old Mr Bux.

Mr Bux, 41, remains in his position at the centre, although bosses will meet soon to discuss his future.

He subjected Mrs Ali to a series of bizarre demands, including asking her to cook for him. He even turned up on the doorstep of her Newcastle home and threw a live trout at her, before ordering her to cook him his supper, telling her he would be round later to collect it.

The tribunal awarded Mrs Ali £63,479 in loss of earnings and damages.

Mr Bux and the North-East Centre for Diversity and Racial Equality are jointly liable to pay the compensation.

The decision came as Mr Bux was denied leave to appeal against the tribunal's initial ruling.

Speaking on Mrs Ali's behalf, her solicitor, Deborah Henning, of Thompsons Solicitors, in Newcastle, said: "I am very pleased that my client has succeeded in her case against Mr Bux and that his request for an appeal has been dismissed.

"It has been a very traumatic time for her and her family, particularly because of the role her employer fulfils.

"Some people in the local community found it hard to believe that Mr Bux, considering his position, could have acted in such a way."

Mr Bux declined to comment.