HALESOWEN College claims it "investigated thoroughly" allegations by a student which led to a lecturer being wrongfully sacked.

The college said "a disciplinary hearing was convened in accordance with our college procedures" after a 19-year-old girl alleged that Kirk Wood asked her out for a drink and asked her whether she was sexually active.

This comes after Mr Wood won an employment tribunal for wrongful dismissal, with presiding judge Robert Childe saying the allegations by the girl were completely fabricated in revenge for Mr Wood recording a safeguarding concern about her.

Judge Childe also found evidence provided by the student “was not tested” by the college but “simply taken at face value”.

READ MORE: Halesowen College lecturer Kirk Wood wrongfully sacked

The college said in a statement that its original investigation concluded Mr Kirk's "behaviour did constitute gross misconduct" but that it now “noted the judge’s decision.”

The statement reads: "Safeguarding is a moral and statutory responsibility which is taken very seriously at Halesowen College.

"Student and staff concerns are listened to and followed up, in accordance with established college procedures.

"The welfare of everyone involved is paramount throughout the process.

"In this case, a student made a complaint about the behaviour of a member of staff, which was investigated thoroughly.

"A disciplinary hearing was convened in accordance with our college procedures and found the staff members’ behaviour did constitute gross misconduct, and the member of staff was dismissed.

"This employee exercised the right of appeal and an appeal hearing upheld the decision.

"We have of course noted the judge’s decision.

"Going forward, our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff.

"Everyone needs to know that the college is a safe space to raise concerns and be confident that they will be listened to.

"We will continue to ensure our safeguarding and disciplinary procedures reflect that."

Kirk Wood, a lecturer in esports at the college on Whittingham Road, was dismissed for gross misconduct last March after the 19-year-old student accused him of asking her out – one of a string of allegations levelled against Mr Wood which employment judge Robert Childe labelled “illogical, outlandish and contradictory".

In his written judgment, the judge concluded Mr Wood had been wrongfully dismissed and ordered the college to pay him £3,431 compensation.

According to the judgment, Mr Wood requested four witnesses who supported his case be interviewed and asked that relevant notes he recorded on the college’s systems about the 19-year-old girl be provided.

But the tribunal found Halesowen College did not interview the witnesses or provide Mr Wood’s requested information before dismissing him.