Big Motoring World Founder Accused of Racist Nicknames and Bullying in High Court

High Court Hears Allegations Against Big Motoring World Founder

The High Court has heard startling allegations against Peter Waddell, the founder of used car supermarket group Big Motoring World, during his ongoing unfair dismissal case. Waddell, 59, is claiming unfair dismissal, harassment, and disability discrimination against Bluebell Cars, the ultimate holding company of Big Motoring World. The case, now in its tenth day, has revealed a series of serious allegations about Waddell's conduct while leading the company.

Allegations of Racist Language and Offensive Nicknames

Under cross-examination by Graeme McPherson KC, who represents current Big Motoring World CEO Laurence Vaughan, Waddell faced allegations of using racially offensive language towards employees. The court heard that Waddell admitted to nicknaming an employee 'Ching the P***', explaining that he used the term because the employee's 'father ran a corner shop'. He also confirmed using another nickname for the same employee: 'Chingalingling Three Men and a King'.

Further allegations included Waddell referring to chief operating officer Anton Khan as a 'muslim w***er', which Waddell denies. The court was told about a meeting in Waddell's Peterborough office where he allegedly told a male employee that he would 'bend him over the desk and f**k him up the ar*e'. Employees had apparently come to expect 'the three Fs' – fu*k, fire, flung out the exit – when summoned to Waddell's office if they found his standing desk raised to full height.

'Foul Tempered Bully' and Workplace Culture

McPherson KC accused Waddell of being a 'foul tempered bully' as he outlined multiple allegations about his conduct. The court heard that Waddell admitted to subjecting another employee to an 'utterly humiliating experience' by 'screaming' at him and using 'foul and abusive language'. When questioned about this behaviour, Waddell stated that the victim had 'wound me up the most in the world'.

More personal revelations emerged during the hearing, with the court hearing that Waddell would tell staff members when he had sex the previous night and ask male employees if they had as well. When these comments were put to him, Waddell described this approach as 'motivational' and compared his behaviour to the Wolf of Wall Street.

Waddell's Defence and Self-Description

When confronted about his personality and conduct, Waddell described himself as a 'dumb car salesman' but argued that his behaviour was not unusual within the used car industry. 'In the motor trade – in our trade – that's the way people are,' he told the court. 'I am very good at what I do. I am very successful at this business.'

Waddell also stated that he had 'changed' since being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, having read books and online forums and watched online videos to learn about the condition. The cross-examination became tense at times, with Waddell's lawyers requesting that the 'temperature be brought down', while Waddell himself accused McPherson of being 'aggressive'. The judge described McPherson's approach as 'brisk rather than aggressive' and cautioned Waddell against giving overly long answers.

Background to the Legal Battle

At the start of the trial, Waddell's lawyers argued that he was the victim of a planned 'coup', claiming that the investigation leading to his dismissal was 'unfair and discriminatory'. The six respondents in the case are Bluebell Cars Bidco Ltd, Bluebell Cars Holding Ltd, Bluebell Cars Topco Ltd and Big Motoring World directors Lawrence Vaughan, Reza Fardad and Thomas Clarke.

The respondents deny Waddell's claims and maintain that his departure resulted from his own conduct. Last year, the High Court denied Waddell a temporary injunction that would have restored his voting rights at the group. The trial continues with Waddell expected to remain under cross-examination.