Telewest sacks employee

Telewest has sacked one of its technical advisor for posting "inappropriate comments" on its blueyonder newsgroups.

On Monday, under the subject "complaining bores", Shaun Pears wrote: "Why oh Why I constantly see Complaints regarding the NewsGroups?? I thought that the Newsgroups were supplied free by an ISP. I don't think that you pay for this part of the ISP service but they supply it to you. The only 2 things that an ISP has to supply you with is E-Mail and Web Access. They do not hae to supply the News Groups as well. SO GET A LIFE or even Better GET A JOB."

Yesterday he explained that his "stupidity" cost him his job.

He wrote: "Yesterday [Monday] I started a thread with the header 'Complaining Bores'. As someone discovered I worked for Telewest as a HSI Technical advisor. Today because of my stupidity I lost my job.

"I am truly sorry if I offended anyone with this thread, I only meant it as a bit of banter (a joke)," he said.

El Reg understands from sources at ADSLguide.org.uk that Pears intends to appeal against his dismissal.

Telewest refused to comment on whether Pears had been dismissed.

In a statement, Telewest said the matter was "subject to an internal investigation and therefore, we are unable to make any comments at this moment in time."

"We at Telewest, apologise for any offence caused by these postings," it said.

To be honest, we're not sure he caused any offence at all. Such is life. ®