A SILENT protest has been held in support of a local postman who has not been given his job back, despite winning a case for his unfair dismissal.

David Mitchell was accused of stealing greeting cards with money and gift vouchers, and was dismissed in December last year even though bosses found no clear evidence against him.

He had previously spent 17 years on the route around Ceres, Craigrothie, Cults and Chance Inn, and 27 years in total in service with Royal Mail.

Mr Mitchell won an employment tribunal against the delivery firm, with a recommendation from employment judge Ian McFatridge that Royal Mail reinstate him.

In a written judgment on the case, he said: "The employer did not have reasonable grounds on which to sustain their belief in the claimant's guilt.

"There were simply insufficient grounds to come to that view. It therefore follows that the decision to dismiss is unfair."

Now customers of Mr Mitchell held a silent protest outside the Royal Mail delivery office in Cupar, Fife, in anger that he has not yet been given his job back.

Mr Mitchell, who reportedly did not attend the protest, said: "My customers want me back to work and the silent protest is about them wanting to put their point across.

"To me, Royal Mail have got it completely wrong. Their investigation has been a shambles. If things had been done properly I'd still be in a job. It's just ridiculous.

The tribunal judge has said I should be reinstated. All I can say is, 'I didn't do it'. It's been absolutely horrible.

"I would like to go back. At my age it's going to be difficult to get another job."

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said: "Royal Mail have studied the judgment in this case.

"The tribunal have now listed this matter for a reconsideration hearing in November to consider the reinstatement of this ex-employee."

Mr Mitchell has a 'Deliver Justice' page on Facebook and has established a petition on change.org in regards to judges' decisions being final in UK employment law.