F*** me! What a misunderstanding
A SEXUAL harassment case, involving a former employee, a misinterpretation of the frustrated term "f*** me" and an accountancy firm, has been settled out of court.
Gabrielle Mary Smith was suing her former boss, Chris Sammut, over allegations that he made unwelcome sexual advances towards her while she was an employee at Bennett Partners between 2008 and 2011.
Bennett Partners is an accountancy firm based in Brisbane and Mackay.
Smith was also suing the firm, in which former Mackay Regional Council deputy mayor Darryl Camilleri is a partner.
Among other claims, a self-representing Ms Smith alleged in the Federal Magistrates Court on Wednesday that Mr Sammut was inviting sexual intercourse when he said during a moment of frustration "f*** me Gabrielle, this is ridiculous".
Barrister for Bennett Partners, John Dwyer, said in the context of that conversation, no one could have come to that interpretation but Ms Smith.
On day two of the sexual harassment trial yesterday, Mr Dwyer told Federal Magistrate Michael Jarrett his client and Ms Smith had settled out of court.
"As a result of discussions (on Wednesday night) and (Thursday) morning between the parties, it has been resolved," he said.
Mr Dwyer estimated the terms of settlement would take place next week.
The matter was adjourned until June 7.
Ms Smith refused to comment out of court.
