'Sex pest' case told of lingerie
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A WOMAN who claims she was sexually harassed by her former employer went shopping with him for lingerie and saucy cards, it was disclosed yesterday.
Carol Leather, of Reading, Berkshire, told an industrial tribunal in Leeds that she helped Ian Coates buy lingerie for his wife's birthday.
She also admitted taking his advice on buying a birthday card for a male friend. It said on the front: 'Do you want to be a red-hot lover?' Inside was a sachet of mustard and advice to rub it on a man's penis.
They also looked at a novelty birthday cake with the message: 'Older women make greater lovers.'
Miss Leather, 32, worked as a trainee patent agent with William Jones, a firm which helps protect copyright on logos and trademarks.
The tribunal has been told she was so upset about harassment from Dr Coates that she was transferred from the firm's headquarters, in Norwich, to an office in York. Six months later she resigned rather than return to head office. She is claiming unfair dismissal after a claim for sexual discrimination was ruled out of time.
The hearing was adjourned until August.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments