The wife of Labour London mayoral hopeful Frank Dobson racially discriminated against an employee, a tribunal was told.

Janet Dobson, former head of strategic support services for Hackney Council education department in London, is accused of taking "malicious" disciplinary action against Kenyan-born Wangui Wa Goro.

Ms Wa Goro was an equality officer at the council when she was suspended on full pay for nine months in 1994 following claims by Ms Dobson that she had plagiarised a report on gender guidelines for schools in the borough.

Gerry German, lay representative for Ms Wa Goro, had told the tribunal at Woburn Place, west London, that while the report did rely heavily on a similar document produced by Lancashire County Council, it was not plagiarism.

"The substance of the charge is false," he said in his opening statement last August.

'Jumped to conclusion'

"White people would not have been similarly treated."

He said Ms Dobson had not considered whether there was an innocent explanation.

"Instead she jumped to the conclusion that there had been plagiarism and deception.

"She failed to consult officers who might have offered evidence to persuade her to consider other possible contingencies."

Ms Wa Goro, who lives in London but remains a Kenyan citizen, is claiming sexual and racial discrimination against Hackney Council.

She is also claiming unfair selection for redundancy.

In her witness statement she said she was "shocked" when Ms Dobson revealed the allegation of plagiarism.

"I sat there for some minutes completely stunned. I was unable to say or do anything due to the shocked state I was in. I had never been in trouble all my working life."

Neither Ms Dobson nor Ms Wa Goro were at Monday's hearing. Ms Dobson is expected to give evidence later this week.