DRUG CHARGES RUINED MANAGER'S LIFE

His life was ruined by allegations that he was trafficking in drugs.

And despite the staying of those charges, former Richmond wharf manager
Thomas Brent Robinson still hasn't recovered.

The 44-year-old Ladner resident won a lawsuit against his former employer,
Fraser Wharves Ltd., earlier this month. But his compensation from a B.C.
Supreme Court for wrongful dismissal was relatively minimal.

Robinson was the operations manager of the local automobile distribution
centre at 13800 Steveston Hwy. when he was arrested by police and charged
with conspiring to traffic in drugs.

Robinson was hired in March 1987, and after several promotions for his hard
work and dedication, was promoted to the managerial position.

But shortly after his arrest, he was fired by his boss without notice or
payment in lieu of notice.

"The defendant now admits that it dismissed the plaintiff without cause.
However, at the time of termination, the defendant alleged that it had
cause to fire the plaintiff by virtue of the plaintiff's illegal activity
on the defendant's premises."

Nine months after his arrest, charges against Thomas Robinson were stayed,
but his brother ultimately pleaded guilty and received a 15-year jail
sentence. But Thomas Robinson's reputation was ruined in the community and
he wasn't able to obtain regular work. His wife and children have sought
counselling.

Although B.C. Supreme Court Justice J. Romilly ruled that the defendant's
conduct "was reckless and inconsiderate" it wasn't malicious. As a result,
Romilly did not award special damages to Robinson.

Robinson received 18 months salary worth nearly $90,000 along with benefits.