A COUNCIL was yesterday accused of failing to adhere to its own procedures by ignoring a social worker's complaints of sexual harassment against her manager.

Instead of taking "prompt and sensitive action" as required in the circumstances, Darlington Borough Council bosses sent the victim to work in the same building as her tormentor after handing her an advice leaflet.

Making the claims on behalf of Michelle Lakin, 30, at an industrial tribunal in Newcastle, Cliff Occomore said in a case of "boys looking after boys", the perpetrator had instead been told of the complaint against him.

Miss Lakin told an earlier hearing she had been arrested on trumped up charges of theft after spurning the sexual advances of her manager, Les Woodward.

When she complained to head of service Ian Tucker she was told there was little the council could do as the harassment had happened at social functions.

Mr Tucker told the tribunal he had not pursued the matter immediately as Miss Lakin was not clear that she wanted to make a formal complaint.

He said the department was quite happy to offer her somewhere to work, where she would not have had to see Mr Woodward.

The council accepts sexual harassment took place, but says it carried out a proper investigation.

The authority ordered an inquiry after Miss Lakin, of Darlington, instituted proceedings and Mr Woodward was suspended and dismissed.

Summing up for the council, Tim Smith contended the authority was not liable, adding that the tribunal had express powers to order the harasser to pay compensation.

He said it was reasonable for Mr Tucker to wait to see what Miss Lakin wanted to do, once she had consulted her legal advisor, before taking further steps.

The tribunal will deliberate today and judgement will be reserved.