A Kilbirnie mum has won her fight for justice against a sex pest employer.

Claire Penders, a mother of two, was subject to sexual harassment and abuse for two years whilst working at the Garnock Community Social Club.

An employment tribunal held in Glasgow on January 24 heard that Claire was constantly wary of the intimidating presence of Brian “Butch” Andrew, the managing director of the social club and Garnock Social Trading Ltd, who would touch her bottom and pull up her top to reveal her underwear.

He would pull her close into his body and ask her for a kiss as well as making lewd remarks such as offering to rub Vicks vapour rub on Claire’s chest when she would come in with a cold, describing his antics as “bar banter”.

Claire, who since quitting her job at the social club has been receiving counselling to help her overcome the ordeal, told the Herald how she tried to seek a resolution to the problem, but found very little support from the management at the social club.

She said: “I accepted this man’s behaviour for a long time because so did my boss and the committee of Garnock Community Social Club..

“I did ask for their help and evidence was presented at my tribunal to support this.”

Despite often telling her colleagues and line managers what was going on, Claire, who has bravely waived her right to lifelong anonymity, had to endure the unwanted attentions of her boss, which left her feeling “disgusted, ashamed and worthless.”

Andrew pestered Claire for years, to the point of arriving at her house unannounced and following her in his car.

It was only earlier this year that Claire finally got the justice she had been striving for.

After her unsuccessful attempts at seeking a non-legal resolution to the situation, Claire was left with no choice but to inform the police of Andrew’s behaviour.

He was initially tried for stalking offences and two counts of sexual assault.

The stalking case was found not proven but he was found guilty of the sexual assault charges – a result that left Claire baffled –and Andrew was ordered to pay £500 as part of a community payback order and placed on the sex offenders register.

At the subsequent employment tribuna, it was found that Claire was forced to leave because of the ongoing situation at her workplace and

was therefore granted compensation.

Despite the stress of the legal process, Claire was adamant that it was the right thing to do especially to set an example for her daughter.

Claire said: “My daughter was 12 at the time and one thing I’m grateful for is what this has taught her.

“She was aware of what was going on and I made sure to let her know that it wasn’t right and that I’d stand up to it.

“It has raised awareness of the issue to her and her friends and hopefully they’ll not experience the same.”

She added: “My family and friends have been great.

“If it wasn’t for them I’d not have been able to get through it.”