THE boss of a Taunton firm who pestered an employee for "Harvey Weinstein style sex" has been ordered to pay her more than £37,000.

Weinstein is the former Hollywood film producer facing a string of allegations made by several women.

An employment tribunal found Leonard Mark Harris sexually discriminated against the member of staff.

His victim, Lorraine Shotton, also won her case against Harris for breach of contract, constructive unfair dismissal and unlawful deduction of wages.

Ms Shotton resigned in protest at his behaviour during her time at Mark Upholstery Ltd, of Livingstone Way, where he was the managing director.

The tribunal at Exeter awarded her £25,000 for harassment, £2,729 for interest and £7,220 unpaid wages.

Ms Shotton, who looks after her children following the break up of her marriage, worked as a clerical assistant at the upholstery firm for nearly five years and was appointed general manager.

One witness at the tribunal alleged she had told him she was a cage dancer in Ibiza when she was young.

Ms Shotton made some of her allegations based mainly on entries in her diary and on recorded transcripts.

She alleged Harris requested sexual favours on many occasions, kissed her and put his hands up her clothes.

She said her protests against his behaviour had been futile.

One transcript heard at the tribunal hearing alleged Mr Harris had asked if he could squeeze her bottom and have Harvey Weinstein style sex.

Harris denied all the allegations and accused Ms Shotton of making post event forgeries in her dairy.

Announcing his decision, Judge Matthews said: "Mr Harris was engaged in unwanted conduct of a sexual nature and that conduct had the purpose, or effect, of violating the claimant’s dignity, or creating an intimidating hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for her.

"Ms Shotton flirted with Mr Harris and probably put up with his conduct of a sexual nature as a convenient means of securing her job and influence.

"As time went on she changed her mind and started to protest."

In a cringy YouTube video promoting the online business of The Foam Shop, part of Mark Harris Upholstery, Harris is seen lying on a bed with a younger woman.

He says: "Foam cut to size. I grant you, not as sexy as Roxanne here, but it's what gets me out of bed in the morning."