A SALES assistant sacked by Richmond artist Mackenzie Thorpe has lost her claim of unfair dismissal after a two-year battle.

An employment tribunal ruled unanimously in favour of Mr Thorpe, who dismissed Angela Davis from his Arthaus gallery in April 2001 after she took 33 weeks off sick.

She claimed she had been depressed after being bullied by Mr Thorpe and his wife, Susan, and alleged that he had resented paying her commission on sales.

Yesterday's ruling by the Newcastle tribunal was welcomed by the Arthaus team.

Wendy Bowker, gallery manager, said: "We have been completely vindicated. The tribunal supported us unanimously, but it has cost us a lot of money. I hope a line can be drawn under the whole thing now and that things will settle down."

Miss Davis, of Hurgill Road, Richmond, who opened her own Phoenix art gallery a year ago just yards from Mr Thorpe's business in Finkle Street, was deeply disappointed at the ruling but vowed to look forward.

"It has taken two years from my life and it has made me a different person but I feel I have come out of it stronger," she said.

"Since this all began I have made a success of a new business and I would like to thank all my friends and customers for their support throughout the duration of the tribunal."

The tribunal made history when a satellite link allowed Middlesbrough-born Mr Thorpe to give evidence from his new home in California.

He told the hearing that Miss Davis continually assumed more responsibility than her job allowed and tried to sell unfinished paintings which were not for sale.

He denied she had been bullied and said he did not resent paying her commission.

Police were called to Arthaus in July 2001 when Miss Davis gate-crashed a farewell party for Mr Thorpe shortly before his move to America.