In Commerzbank AG v Ajao, the defendant, Mr Ajao, worked as a 'Know Your Client' analyst for six months before his employment was terminated during his probationary period. Soon after, he brought two Employment Tribunal claims against the bank and a number of individual colleagues, alleging discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, victimisation, bullying and breach of contract.
All claims were dismissed, with the tribunal describing the defendant's evidence as "manifestly untrue". A 20,000 costs order was made against him.
The claimant bank later initiated contempt of court proceedings, alleging that the defendant had knowingly fabricated serious allegations, lied under oath and produced false documents to support his case.
Contempt of court arises where a person interferes with the proper administration of justice. It can include making a false statement verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its accuracy, or knowingly giving false evidence on oath. Contempt proceedings are civil in form but apply the criminal standard of proof, and the potential penalties include imprisonment or a fine.
The court found the defendant to be in serious contempt of court. It concluded, to the criminal standard, that he had deliberately fabricated allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault and discrimination against colleagues, and had lied under oath to support those claims. His actions had...
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