THE former Tyrone Crystal managing director. Mr Pat Killen, is facing a claim for over £500,000 from his former employers.

The action in the High Court in Belfast is a counter claim to a writ for £150,000 which Mr Killen lodged last year. He claims he is owed the money by Tyrone Crystal and the Dungannon and District Co operative Enterprises Ltd.

Mr Killen, of Killymeal Road, Dungannon, was dismissed a year ago after 14 years as Tyrone Crystal's managing director. His departure followed months of public controversy which included mounting debts, management buyout attempts, takeover bids and a telephone tapping row.

The company was eventually sold for £1.2 million to a consortium involving Ulster Fireclay Ltd and members of the Tyrone Crystal management. Mr Killen's salary was £56,000 a year plus a performance bonus, pension rights, health insurance and company car.

The counter claim is largely made up of losses alleged to have been incurred after the company opened a store in Boston. It closed in 1994.

The case is due to be heard in the commercial division of the High Court later this year. It is expected that it will last about four weeks.