A YOUTH who was marched in handcuffs from his workplace after his criminal past caught up with him may take legal action against his bosses.

Burnley magistrates heard how Imtiaz Hussain, 23, felt he had been 'singled out' at Northern Textiles, where he claims other workers did not reveal their criminal convictions.

Hussain, of Walpole Street, Burnley, was given 60 hours community service after admitting gaining a pecuniary advantage by deception. Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said in April 1998, Hussain applied for a job at Northern Textiles, Trafalgar Street, Burnley. He was asked if any criminal or civil proceedings had been taken against him in the previous five years and although he said no, he had previous convictions. Had Hussain revealed his convictions, he would not have got the job.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said police went to the firm and he had the 'humiliation' of being handcuffed and taken from the premises.

Hussain had worked at Northern Textiles since April 1998, had a 100 per cent attendance record and had never been criticised for his ability.

He and his partner had the highest productivity of all the teams at the firm and Hussain felt aggrieved that he had been 'singled out.' Hussain claimed a number of other people at the factory were in exactly the same position and had not disclosed convictions when they applied for jobs. Hussain was the only person questioned.

Mr Tindall said Hussain was due to meet his manager to see if he would be formally dismissed. Hussain had been working hard and earning an honest living.

He added if the defendant was dismissed he may well have been singled out and may have recourse at a tribunal.

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