AN Army captain who claims her career was ended after her commanding officer called her a "bimbo" will have to wait until at least the new year to see if her tribunal case has been successful.

Janet Kelly has accused the Ministry of Defence of sexual discrimination, claiming that Lieutenant Colonel Jean Kennedy called her a "blonde thick bimbo" during a meeting when they were both stationed at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

The employment tribunal was listed for four days but, after running over schedule, was yesterday adjourned until late January, when a further two days of evidence may be heard.

Lt Col Kennedy, who retired in 1999 after almost 30 years' service, has denied using the word thick and said that while she did use the words "blonde bimbo", they were not aimed at Capt Kelly.

She maintains that she told Capt Kelly during a meeting about her career prospects that, if she addressed an Army board in the way she was talking to her, they would think she was a blonde bimbo.

Capt Kelly, of Middlesbrough, maintains the remark was directed at her, and claims that she was forced to leave last year.

The tribunal has heard how Capt Kelly joined the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps on a short service commission, from the Territorial Army, in 1992, at the rank of lieutenant. By the following year, she had been promoted to captain.

Her short service commission was extended but, under Army rules, it cannot exceed eight years. Capt Kelly was refused a request to upgrade it to a regular commission, forcing her to leave.

She rejoined the Territorial Army and holds the rank of captain. The hearing was adjourned until January 28