Mr Dobrzynski was drawn into an email debate a week ago over the sacking of Patrick Filmer-Sankey when he responded to a new message posted by the former Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery director.

A message to the website from Mr Dobrzynski's council email address via his iPhone read: "Poor sad Patrick."

It appeared after Mr Filmer-Sankey posted a message saying that sacked museum scientist Lisa Gershwin had just launched her own website.

Mr Filmer-Sankey has used his website to criticise the council and the reasons for his dismissal last year.

Dr Gershwin was the department head at the centre of the bullying and harassment charges.

Mr Dobrzynski said he had been moved to respond to some of the allegations made on the website because they were "vile and bile" and he was concerned at their effect on his museum staff.

"At times, as leader of that organisation, I feel I need to comment."

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten did not know at first about the email but said that he had since spoken to Mr Dobrzynski about the matter.

"My advice is always not to get involved in these things," he said.

Mr Dobrzynski said that the council was taking legal advice on material being posted on Mr Filmer-Sankey's website.