THE boss of an recruitment firm who became infatuated with one of his workers has been found guilty of sex discrimation and unfair dismissal.

Jack Parkinson, 58, chairman of the Human Resource Group based at Wellington House, Church Road, Ashford, became obsessed with Patricia MacKinnon after he bought a controlling share in her business.

A hearing in Ashford is due to be held tomorrow to decide how much compensation Mrs MacKinnon will receive.

Mr Parkinson asked her if she would spend every other weekend with him if he paid her £1,000 per weekend.

After eight months of his obsession over Mrs MacKinnon, Mr Parkinson told her that his feelings were so strong he was finding it difficult to work with her.

After spurning Mr Parkinson's advances, Mrs MacKinnon refused a £1,000 per month pay cut and was suspended for gross misconduct in July. She resigned three months later because of ill health.

In his report tribunal chairman John Sprack concluded: "Most of the advances alleged by Mrs MacKinnon were admitted by Mr Parkinson.

"The advances were unwanted...what he said and proposed went so far beyond what was acceptable as to constitute a course of sexual harassment."

Mr Parkinson and the Human Resource Group refused to comment.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S KENTISH EXPRESS