Dr Paulin's complaint was 'mischievous'

He went on to criticise Dr Paulin, who he said had been "excitable and may have had his own axe to grind" regarding the claims against the professor, Dr Friedrich Zimmermann.

The court heard Dr Paulin was said to have made about 200 phone calls in connection with the case, but did not directly approach Dr Zimmermann.

"He heard he could be a difficult man and thought it would be counter-productive," said Judge Playford.

'Threatening messages'

He criticised Dr Paulin and Mr Ahmed for initially not saying their complaint was racially-based.

Judge Playford also said Dr Paulin had left threatening and ambiguous messages with the college proctor saying it faced "a serious race complaint and unfavourable publicity."

"In my view this complaint was mischievous just as Mr Ahmed's complaint to the race officer had been," Judge Playford added.

He said there was no evidence of unfair discrimination against Mr Ahmed, racial or otherwise.

But he did criticise the exam system at the university saying it was open to abuse and discrimination.

After the hearing Mr Ahmed's lawyers said they were considering taking the case to the Court of Appeal.