A journalist is set to appeal the decision to dismiss her discrimination case against the BBC after she was seen speaking to a weekly newspaper reporter.

The judge presiding over BBC Look East reporter Sally Chidzoy’s hearing struck out her case after she was seen speaking to Cambs Times reporter Sarah Cliss during a break in proceedings.

Sally, left, was under oath at the time and had been overheard by the BBC’s barrister using the word “Rottweiler” during the conversation – a word which presiding judge Michael Ord said was relevant as it was linked to her evidence.

She had brought an employment tribunal against the BBC over claims she had been victimised, harassed and sexually discriminated against after raising concerns about the corporation’s editorial independence.

Part of her case was an email from a BBC manager circulated to other staff suggesting she should cover a story about the Dangerous Dogs Act and describing her as “Sally Shitsu.”

Sally had argued that her discussion with Sarah, who she had “known for years” and was covering the case for the Times’ Archant sister title the Eastern Daily Press, was no more than an exchange of pleasantries.

But, in a written judgement, Judge Ord said it stretched “the bounds of credulity to believe” that Sally had not been speaking to Sarah about the case.

A BBC spokeswoman said: “We are aware there has been an appeal of the tribunal’s decision and are waiting to hear the outcome of the appeal.”