Romsey woman wins sexual harassment case against former boss

A Southampton employment tribunal has ruled in favour of Louise Crabtree, who alleged she was demoted and then dismissed by company director Marc Bandemer.

After hearing seven days of evidence the tribunal found her complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination were "well-founded", according to the written judgement.

Ms Crabtree said Mr Bandemer had made a "determined and excessive" attempt to form a romantic relationship with her after she joined Integer Wealth Global.

He gave her gifts, referred to her as his "second wife" and suggested they buy a house together in Cyprus, the hearing was told.

A report outlining the tribunal's findings quotes some of the messages they exchanged.

Louise Crabtree has won a sexual harassment case against her former boss (Image: Louise Crabtree)

A WhatsApp sent by Mr Bandemer said: "You're a gorgeous woman and any red-blooded single guy would be fond of you. But anyone dating, flirting or courting you has to have my approval first, otherwise they're history."

The report said Ms Crabtree valued her job and tried to tread a cautious line, anxious not to encourage or offend her boss.

One of the messages Mr Bandemer sent her said: "You are so very beautiful and a marvellous human being with a soul that is so easy to love."

Urging her to contact him if she was feeling low, he added: "If it's in the middle of the night, message or call and I will come down to be with you if you need me to."

On March 2 2022 he wrote: "I am so very much in love with you. We are a stunning business couple and the envy of many."

Ms Crabtree, of Romsey, told the hearing that she was forced to endure a lengthy campaign of sexual harassment.

She said: "Then, as punishment for me rejecting his advances, he demoted me without any meaningful discussions or explanations. He then expelled me from Integer Wealth, allegedly on the grounds of redundancy whilst making an offer of re-employment on substantially inferior terms."

The report said Ms Crabtree failed to receive the notice or holiday pay to which she was entitled, adding that pension contributions were also withheld.

Giving evidence to the tribunal, Mr Bandemer described himself as tactile but denied making any sexual overtures.

The report concluded: "The claimant has been subjected to sexual harassment and direct discrimination but not in every respect in which she contends."

Ms Crabtree said she was delighted the tribunal had found largely in her favour and "was not fooled by a defence of smoke and mirrors and misinformation".

The size of any compensation award has yet to be decided.

Mr Bandemer is listed as a director of Integer Wealth Global. He and the company have been contacted for comment.