A lesbian soldier has been awarded almost £190,000 in compensation after being sexually harassed by a male sergeant.
An employment tribunal awarded lance bombardier Kerry Fletcher £186,895 for sex discrimination, victimisation and sexual harassment.
Staff Sergeant Ian Brown pestered Fletcher for sex and was accused for trying to destroy her career because she spurned his advances.
The Ministry of Defence has been ordered to pay £30,000 in respect of injury to feelings, £20,000 for aggravated damages and £50,000 for “exemplary damages” – believed to be the first time such damages have been awarded as a punishment.
A further £65,558 was ordered to be paid in respect of lost earnings and pension entitlement. The remainder of the total is made up of Fletcher’s costs and interest payments.
The MoD said it “deeply regretted” the discrimination and harassment that took place.
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