David Jones sex case widens
<!-- end: .tools -->
<!-- end: .hd -->
</cite>
AFP/File – Guests prepare to take their seats prior to the start of the David Jones autumn winter 2010 fashion show …
Mon Aug 30, 3:16 am ET
SYDNEY (AFP) – Up to 16 women could take part in a 33 million US dollar sexual harassment case involving David Jones, Australia's most exclusive department store, lawyers for the chief complainant said Monday.
Publicist Kristy Fraser-Kirk is suing the top-end store and its former chief, Mark McInnes, over unwelcome advances which allegedly included placing his hand under her clothes and attempting to kiss her.
The 27-year-old's lawyers told the Federal Court that six more David Jones workers had come forward to support Fraser-Kirk's claims and were expected to take part in the landmark suit, in addition to four already involved.
Rachel Francois, Fraser-Kirk's lawyer, said three other employees had also made complaints against other David Jones staff, while two former staff of McInnes from another company had also come forward, making a total of 16.
McInnes was not in court but he issued a statement shortly after the hearing insisting that he would strongly defend the new claims.
"This is an intolerable position. These new allegations are unstated, unsourced and unsubstantiated," said McInnes.
"My lawyers have advised me that the correct place to respond is in the courtroom and I look forward to defending myself vigorously against these claims at the appropriate time."
Fraser-Kirk is seeking 37 million Australian dollars (33 million US) in damages, making her case Australia's largest ever sexual harassment claim.
Francois said she wanted some matters in the case, including questions of morality and community standards, to be assessed by a jury.
The hearing follows a weekend report that David Jones had offered Fraser-Kirk an out-of-court settlement.
McInnes resigned in June after admitting behaving "in a manner unbecoming of a chief executive to a female staff member" at two functions earlier this year, but said last week he would vigorously contest Fraser-Kirk's allegations.