Border Force officer Alexander Casteel was dismissed for using an official vehicle for three unauthorised personal detours, including visits to his terminally ill father and delivering dog medication. An employment tribunal rejected his unfair dismissal claim, ruling that his employer reasonably treated the conduct as gross misconduct under its strict vehicle-use policy.

The diversions totalled more than two hours and 80 miles, including two journeys of 18 miles from Runcorn to Chester while Casteel attended training. He had not sought permission, recorded the route changes or held insurance for private use; the tribunal said he should have known official vehicles could not be used personally without authorisation.