THE behaviour of a farmer Royal Dublin Society member towards a female employee had been unacceptable and a "form of sexual harassment", the High Court was told yesterday.
Mr Michael Jacob, chairman of the society's board of management, said he saw that the former member, Mr James Yates, an artist, of Cill Cais, Old Bawn, Co Dublin, was "pressing a very public fondness" on the employee, Ms Olivia O'Reilly.
Mr Jacob was giving evidence on the fourth day of legal proceedings before Mr Justice Shanley in which the RDS is seeking an order restraining Mr Yates from communicating with its staff or entering its premises.
Mr Yates, who is conducting his own defence, denies the society's claims and counter-claims for damages, alleging interference with his rights as a society member. He also claims he has been slandered, intimidated and harassed by society members.
Mr Jacob said that in November 1991 Mr Yates claimed he had been told lies by Ms O'Reilly and given certain undertakings in relation to the Horse Show of that year. Mr Yates claimed loss to his business by having other face-painters at the show when he considered he had been given an exclusive right by Ms O'Reilly.
Mr Jacob said that later his attention was drawn to a rhyme and flowers presented by Mr Yates to Ms O'Reilly, who was quite upset that flowers would be sent to her private address.
Ms O'Reilly recalled to him that she had received cards, Mr Jacob continued. He considered there was more to this than met the eye and that a society officer should be responsible for correspondence relating to this matter.
Mr Jacob said that at a meeting in 1993 Mr Yates had addressed the society president, Mr Sean Tinney, in an unacceptable manner. Mr Yates had accused the president of sneering and of being, obnoxious. Mr Yates refused to express regret for what he had said and left the room.
During 1993-94, Mr Jacob said, Mr Yates had woven an almost seamless tapestry of correspondence. Quite often he sent letters of complaint about Ms O'Reilly.
Mr Jacob said he was concerned that all the elements of harassment were visible. He could see that Mr Yates was pressing a very public fondness on Ms O'Reilly. He was demanding her attention through this fondness; it was a form of sexual harassment.
He was also bullying her and another employee, Mr Gerard McAuliffe, by demanding their resignations. The behaviour could lead to more serious matters.
The hearing continues.