Steward of Dennis withdraws court case

The claimant, Peter Boland, who was employed as a steward on McLaren Mercedes Formula One Team's Ron Dennis’s aeroplane, between 2002 and 2007, read the following statement at a Southampton tribunal today:

"I have decided to withdraw my action against Mr Dennis and all respondents in the case.

"I unreservedly apologise to Mr Dennis and all respondents, and to the Southampton Employment Tribunal, for wasting their time with what I now realise were unfounded allegations.

"In particular, I apologise to Mr Dennis for suggesting that he is, or was, either racist or homophobic, or that he ever made any remarks or performed any actions that would suggest that he was.

"I feel great remorse for the upset that I now realise I have needlessly caused to him, to his family and to his colleagues.

"Lastly, I will return the car, which was the subject of county court proceedings.

"I consider this matter now closed and will not be taking further action, or making further comments, in connection with it in the future."