A PSYCHOLOGY lecturer is suing a college for the mental trauma caused by arriving at work to find his office had been demolished.

Michael Laidler claims his life fell apart after the incident five years ago at New College, Durham City.

Many of his personal possessions were buried under the rubble during construction work.

Mr Laidler, 51, suffered depression as he struggled to keep working as head of psychology at the college, and a colleague was appointed to his job while he was on sick leave.

The former police detective left his job and, unable to resume work, began a four-year battle with the college to win back his possessions and compensation.

Next month, his £350,000 fight reaches the High Court in Newcastle.

The father-of-three left after refusing to sign a new contract to replace his former trade union agreement.

Mr Laidler, of Pity Me, near Durham City, said: "I was shattered when I saw my office, absolutely devastated.

"I had packed it up ready to move, but the letter warning me they were knocking it down came while I was away.

"It was a terrible shock to me to turn up and find it wrecked.

"All my resources were under a building site. I tried to work with no support from the college, and it was just too much for my health."

Durham City MP Gerry Steinberg has asked the Parliamentary Ombudsman to investigate the case.

Mr Steinberg said: "I am sympathetic with Mr Laidler's case. It is my view the Further Education Funding Council had possibly not taken everything into account."

College principal John Widdowson declined to comment