Sex-claim truck driver wins $20,000 in compensation case

Christopher Paul was employed by Stonecold Distributors Ltd. Photo / Getty Images

A truck driver sacked for allegedly sexually harassing and stalking staff at a restaurant he delivered to has been awarded almost $20,000 for unjustified dismissal.

Christopher Paul was employed by Stonecold Distributors Ltd, a supplier and distributor of food products in Tawa, Wellington.

He claimed before the Employment Relations Authority that he was unjustifiably dismissed in 2011 after it was alleged he had sexually harassed a Stonecold customer - an allegation he has continued to deny.

The authority was told that the director and owner of the business, Terence Johnston, received a complaint from the manager of a restaurant in the central North Island to which Mr Paul made deliveries.

The restaurant manager alleged Mr Paul was "hitting on all the staff" and was a "creep" who they did not want to deal with again, the authority said.

Mr Johnston called a meeting with Mr Paul, who attended with his lawyer, the authority said.

At the meeting, Mr Paul was given a written summary of the findings of Mr Johnston's investigation into the alleged misconduct.

The authority said that until then, Mr Paul was not aware Mr Johnston was concerned his alleged actions might have damaged the reputation of the business.

Mr Paul had no opportunity before the meeting to prepare a response to allegations, and had been dismissed at the meeting.

Mr Paul was awarded $8000 for hurt and humiliation and $11,290 for lost wages.