A lecturer who has pursued 16 separate claims for discrimination against a string of institutions has secured public funding to fight a case against Bradford University.

The Commission for Racial Equality could pay out up to £10,000 in legal fees to represent Suresh Deman, of south east London, at a tribunal in Leeds next month.

It has decided to back Mr Deman's claim - despite him taking the CRE to a tribunal himself after accusing it of racism.

His 16 claims against universities in Britain and America date back to 1988 and mainly include actions over failed job applications and sackings.

In December, he settled a long-running dispute with the University of Greenwich, which was ordered to pay him £46,000 after he tabled 70 complaints of race discrimination and victimisation.

Today Mr Deman, a US citizen of Indian origin, admitted he was "quite surprised" that the CRE - which he described as a "spineless body" - had offered its support.

After failing to receive its backing for a number of his cases, Mr Deman began proceedings at the London County Court against the CRE. He said he might drop the case if the CRE carried through its promise to support his latest claim against Bradford and three other universities.

"Finally it has realised that I have got a good case," he said. "I should be allowed to have legal representation of my choice. Of course, it will cost it a lot of money but that's what it is there for."

Mr Deman rejected claims that he did not need the support of the CRE, despite being awarded thousands of pounds in compensation over the years.

"You can imagine how much money I have spent defending myself," he said. "I have been unemployed for the last three years and I have really suffered. If I let these cases go now, then what would have been the purpose of bringing them.

"Why should I not be able to have a job? I don't know anyone else with my experience and qualifications who is unemployed."

The cases against Bradford University relate to two job applications he made for positions in its economics and management schools.

He claims he was racially discriminated against when he applied for the first job, and that he was then turned down for the second job because he had begun legal action over the first one.

A Bradford University spokesman said it would continue to fight the accusation.

"The university strenuously denies the claims made by Mr Deman against it," he said. "An employment tribunal case involving the university and Mr Deman has been adjourned.

"The university feels it would therefore be inappropriate to discuss the matter until these proceedings have been concluded."

A spokesman for the Commission for Racial Equality said: "All I can say is that we are supporting Mr Deman in a number of cases."