The industrial tribunal of a sacked trainee policewoman was dramatically halted over the disputed right to interview a crucial witness.

The 31-year-old woman, who cannot legally be named, claims sexual discrimination at Bradford Central Police Station where she was a probationary officer. She says she was bullied by senior male officers who thought she wouldn't make the grade because of an acrimonious divorce and family commitments.

Yesterday the woman's barrister, Jane Woodward, announced she was to make an application to the High Court in a bid to speak to PC Richard Summerscales, an officer of 12 years service - all at Bradford Central.

He was one of several more experienced officers with whom the woman was placed during her training at the station. It is said that he was twice asked to rewrite a report about her performance before it was accepted by his bosses.

The woman alleges it was because he was not critical enough for the force which was looking for excuses to dismiss her.

A Home Office standing order states that PC Summerscales can only be interviewed by her legal team with another senior officer present.

But Miss Woodward said in those circumstances he would be likely to feel pressured. She is applying for a judicial review at the High Court to overturn the standing order and allow her to speak to him in private before he takes the witness stand.

The sacked trainee has told in her evidence how one of the other male officers she worked with offered her romance in return for a "glowing report". The tribunal has banned the release of his name until the end of the hearing.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.