Background Check - Worried about past employer

Hi Everyone,

I was recently accepted for a job I really wanted after a gruelling interview process. I have given references from my past 2 jobs and was given 4 glowing reviews. As part of the companies policy they want to do a background check on my work history, education etc. I have never done anything illegal in my life and my education is sound. My only concern is a previous employer from almost 4 years ago.

(Sorry this is a bit of a read but you wont understand otherwise )

When I first came out of college I couldn't find anything but was convinced to start working with a college mate (one of my friends at the time actually) who had a start up. I had done a bit of work for him in the past. I was first told i would be paid but then once I was about to start he told me he didn't have the funds to pay me and was given a wide variety of promises. I needed the experience so I bit the bullet. Eventually after about 10 months I asked for a salary as we had business coming in the door. I had to really debate it but I was eventually given a low salary. After about a year and 7 months (or so) I decided it was time to move on as I felt I was going no where career wise. We were also not working very well together either. One day he overheard me talking to a recruiter on my mobile. He got very offended and wanted me to leave. He spent the rest of the day calling friends and solicitors to find a way to get rid of me legally (I had no knowledge of this). He then ambushed me with a witness from outside the company. He made up a number of excuses to get rid me, e.g. I was rude the customers (which he couldn't prove) and felt I didn't want to be there hence he didn't trust me. I was naturally gobsmacked but we agreed that he would give me a reference if I didn't reveal company "secrets" as I was never given a contract nor told to sign an NDA. I had worked for him for well over a year but had only been paid for 9 months so I couldnt call for unfair dismissal.

I was very lucky and found another job several days later and thought that would be the end of it but alas no. During my time at the previous job I have gotten to know a freelancer very well. When I moved jobs I was able to offer him more work which my old employer took great offence too and went so far as to send my current employer at the time and me a solicitor's letter to basically scare us. His accusations made no sense and he didn't have a leg to stand on so my then employer replied back and we never heard anything else after that.

I am very fearful that during this background check they will call him and he will basically say I didn't work there or something awful like that. I have plenty of proof I worked for him through emails, colleague references and client references if I need them. I have also deliberately broke my work experience with the company into unpaid intern and permanent on the Background check form.

Should I be worried and if so what can I do?

Thanks,

Superyoung