A FORMER Health club manager described his relief after being cleared of assaulting three children.

Robert Welham, 37, who was sacked after the allegations, is now suing his former bosses, claiming unfair dismissal.

Mr Welham was manager of Lifestyle Health and Leisure Club, at Best Western’s Marks Tey Hotel, when he was accused of kicking the children.

He allegedly assaulted them when telling them off for messing about in the swimming pool on March 19. Mr Welham was cleared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court of three assault counts. He denied the charges.

He said: “I have worked in the industry for almost 20 years. I ran the place for almost ten years and had an impeccable record. I was mortified and distraught about the allegations.”

Mr Welham was suspended following claims he kicked the children in or near changing rooms at the hotel in London Road. He was sacked on April 10.

Mr Welham admitted telling the children off, but said he did not assault them.

He said: “I have been made to feel like a criminal and did nothing wrong.

“This should not have come to court. The magistrate said there was no evidence and apologised to me.

“The company should have stuck by me and this should have been investigated properly.”

Mr Welham said he had since been unable to find work, partly because he was unable to get references for his time at the hotel. He is due to face his former bosses at an employment tribunal in October.

The hotel confirmed an internal investigation had been conducted regarding the alleged incident.

General manager Carla Hosie said: “We are unable to comment with regard to the court case, as we did not instigate the legal proceedings against Mr Welham.

“These were separate from our internal investigation and unrelated to our decision. As Mr Welham’s dismissal is to be reviewed by a tribunal, it would be inappropriate to comment on the matter.’’