17/07/2007

Fine for Sting in sex discrimination case

Rock star Sting and his wife Trudi Styler have lost a sexual discrimination case involving their former chef and will now have to pay her £24,000 compensation.

Jane Martin was awarded the compensation at an employment tribunal in Southampton.

The 41-year-old chef from Winchester claimed that Ms Styler sacked her after she became pregnant.

The tribunal ruled that Miss Martin had been unlawfully dismissed and had been a victim of sexual discrimination.

The compensation included £10,000 for injury to hurt feelings and £16,000 for loss of earnings.

The court heard how Miss Martin, who earned £28,000 a year, cooked for stars such as Madonna and Elton John at the 300-acre Lake House estate, the Wiltshire mansion owned by the former Police frontman and his wife.

However, the couple have won the right to appeal against the ruling.

(KMcA/JM)




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