Essex sued over paedophile link to cricket festival

Essex are being sued by a former youth team coach for wrongful dismissal after he warned of inappropriate standards of care at a festival at which a convicted paedophile was one of the organisers.

ESPNcricinfo understands that Doug Frame, a former manager of the Essex Under-13 and Suffolk Under-17 teams, alerted the club to his concerns after the Essex Under-15 side played in a tournament run by the London Schools Cricket Association at which Wasim Aslam was an organiser.

Aslam was sentenced to four years imprisonment in 2004 after indecently assaulting two teenagers.

Frame has also alleged that the adults escorting the Essex Under-15 side, one of which is understood to be a well-known former player, left the team unattended until late in the evening as they went out for dinner.

When Frame, who is also an employment lawyer, reported his concerns to the club he was told his services were no longer required. He argues that the reason he was given - that his son was in the set-up - is inconsistent with the county's invitation for him to work with them at a time when his son was already involved.

He is claiming wrongful dismissal under Section 43 of the Employment Rights Act. It is a section that is designed to protect whistleblowers who warn of criminality or health and safety issues.

An Essex official, while declining to comment on the record, insisted Frame's departure was mutual, that young players were cared for at all times and that the club's actions and protocols have been approved by both Essex Police and the NSPCC. They have admitted, however, that they will not be taking part in further events organised by the London Schools Cricket Association.

The case is due to be heard between 11 and 13 July.