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A multi-millionaire City boss hired Russian hit men to try and kill a woman employee after sexually harassing her, a tribunal heard today.
Jordan Wimmer, 29, a marketing executive at hedge fund Nomos Capital told how she was left fearing for her life after an incident in which a car tried to run her over six times near the King's Road in Chelsea.
Miss Wimmer, who earned £577,000 per year, said she believed her boss Mark Lowe 59, the firm's founder, had hired a Russian hit man or enlisted a family member to attempt to murder her.
Central London Employment Tribunal heard how Miss Wimmer, who is claiming sexual discrimination and constructive dismissal, told a psychiatrist "they" were trying to "hurt her" after she quit her job.
The medical notes read at the tribunal told how Miss Wimmer ran into a restaurant and asked them to call 999 because a man who looked like her boss was trying to run her over after she left a gym in Chelsea in May this year.
Elizabeth Melville representing Mr Lowe, accused Miss Wimmer of being a fantasist and having an "overactive imagination".
She said: "Is it your belief that Mr Lowe was trying to get a Russian hit man or a member of his family to kill you?" To which Miss Wimmer said: "Yes".
Miss Melville went on: "You don't believe it is the product of an over-active imagination?" Miss Wimmer replied: "No, if you knew your client you would probably understand."
The tribunal heard how Miss Wimmer was admitted to the Causeway Medical Retreat for five weeks suffering a breakdown in September 2008.
Miss Wimmer returned to work where her duties included organising a "billion dollar party" to celebrate the amount of money the firm had made, quit her job of six years in February 2009.
She alleges she was overworked and had to put up with Mr Lowe flaunting escorts at business events, as well as sexually harassing her and calling her "a dumb blonde."
Miss Wimmer is seeking £4million compensation. Miss Melville accused Miss Wimmer of making allegations based on "lies and half truths" in order to embarrass Mr Lowe and get a pay out.
She said: "It is true you are someone prone to exaggeration and fantasy." Miss Wimmer replied: "No, your client has embarrassed himself."
Miss Wimmer, a Canadian now living in Chelsea, told how she was left doing the work of "five people" after Mr Lowe hurt his back following a car accident.
However Miss Melville put it to her that she was tired, not from overwork, but because of her hectic social calendar.
Miss Melville read out an e-mail Miss Wimmer had sent to a friend saying she was exhausted because she had "partied like a rock star" during a business trip to Paris.
But Miss Wimmer denied she had drunk excessive alcohol and said she had made it up to impress her friends.
Miss Melville responded by asking her if she had also made up the allegations against Mr Lowe and also said that she was well rewarded financially for the hours she worked.
Miss Wimmer said: "I was knackered. I worked my bottom off... I wasn't paid to be harassed. I wasn't paid to be demeaned."
The case continues.
Reader views (12)
Russian hit-man and she didn't go to the police?
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
Me think she should work for her money not just sue her employers!
- Georgie, Islington, London
577K a year - for a marketing exec? Pinch me, I'm dreaming.
- Dd, Auckland, NZ
Hired a hit man??? If this were true why are not the MET involved???? Sounds like another money grabbing exercise to me.
- Very Angry At Mp'S Expenses, Home Counties
It still sounds very much like her 'evidence' is her own word and interpretation of events that these things happened. Then again trial by accusation works as often as not.
- Rogan, Irving
hedge funds didn't get any bail out from the taxpayer, sorry Kev. Also, I suspect stories about normal bankers just doing their jobs and living normal lives are not exactly front page news, hence you only hear about the wronguns
- Mitch, London
Well, well, well another "harrassed" person. Easy way to make money. Why weren't all these allegations against the boss made whilst still working for the company?
- K, London, UK
I do feel for her, but my head can't get round and eyes can't get past £577,000 a year salary for a marketing executive?? I'm in the wrong job.
- Ewan, London, UK
Yet another one jumping on the " i was sexually harrased at work" bandwagon. Does she seriously think she is going to get paid out £4 million!
- Triffidqueen, Desk in London
Hope they keep in mind that our lads that have legs and arms blown off,get 125 000,which would suggest if she wins the case she may be entitled to 5 000.
- Dave, london
Oh dear, she's starting to come across as a bit of a player.
- Bob, Cheam
These are the type of people that are running city institutions!and getting paid vast sums to boot,and taking tax payers money.All we seem to hear from the city is cases of sexual abuse,discrimination and harassment and rape cases etc.Is it any wonder they who work in the city have such a image,and are not respected,and quiet right to from the pathetic examples we see and hear just about every day.
- Kev, London-UK
