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Donna Rayment, a former soldier from Essex has won £6,983 in damages at the High Court after claiming that she had suffered psychiatric injury because of harassment by male colleagues.

The judge accepted Ms Rayment, from Canvey Island, had been sexually harassed while serving in the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC).

Ms Rayment claimed that she developed depression and adjustment disorder because of her treatment, and sought damages for her lost employment as the commanding officer's driver.

The judge argued that her treatment had put her back only by about nine months and that Major Paul McCaffrey had tried to use an innocent administrative error to rid the regiment of Ms Rayment, who he viewed as a "troublesome and challenging" soldier.

The judge said that Ms Rayment had been the victim of "oppressive and unacceptable" behaviour, such as her colleagues ‘decorating' her room with photos of naked women. This amounted to sexual harassment.

Whilst the major had followed due process by submitting a written warning and then a final discharge, the judge said that these were all "unwarranted, unfair and wrong".

It emerged after the trial that Donna Rayment, 42, of Essex, had rejected a pre-trial offer of £60,000 damages and £125,000 costs from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Ms Rayment said she would give her award to charity. A ruling later will decide who is liable for legal costs. The MoD claims that Ms Rayment should cover her own costs as her claims were found to be ‘exaggerated', however, Ms Rayment's legal team argue that harassment has been proved and therefore, the MoD should carry the burden of the entire legal fees.

For more information on how you can manage discrimination, harassment and disciplinary situations and significantly reduce your chances of falling foul of employment law, call Jo at Park City on 0800 542 7550 or submit an enquiry form.