The High Court recently sentenced a former Commerzbank employee to 20 months’ imprisonment for contempt of court. The employee had knowingly made false allegations of harassment, victimisation and race discrimination against a colleague (referred to as Q) before an employment tribunal, and fabricated diary entries to support his claims. The tribunal had previously found that the employee’s allegations were untrue, including finding that his claim of sexual assault was false. The High Court ruled that a fine would be inadequate, noting the employee’s deliberate and prolonged dishonesty, which unjustifiably victimised Q. The contempt proceedings were brought by his former employer, Commerzbank.

This case is a stark reminder of the importance of honesty in any legal forum. An employee who makes false allegations risks not only losing their case, but also being liable for contempt of court with a potentially significant jail sentence.