A WORKER at an award-winning estate agents was sexually harassed by a colleague who gave her an inappropriate nickname and pretended to perform lewd acts at her desk.

Charlotte Lloyd, 35, claims she was subjected to a number of sexual innuendos and gestures by Michael Keilthy, who was suspended and dismissed from Callaways Estate Agents, of Yeoman Way, Worthing, after she complained.

Six months later she had time off work due to stress - which she said was sparked by Mr Keilthy's appearance at a staff Christmas party.

She missed five days but on her return was told her role would go part time due to concerns over her "welfare".

She is taking the estate agents, which also has a branch in Church Road, Hove, to tribunal following her resignation as she is claiming constructive dismissal.

The respondent's case is that the claimant could revert back, after a period addressing her stress, to her old job.

The employment tribunal in Southampton, heard Mrs Lloyd, from Hove, spent 15 months with the independent family-run firm.

The sales negotiator said the sexual harassment lasted five months from February to July 2014.

She said he frequently made "groaning noises of a sexual nature" as he ate his lunch in her presence.

She also claimed on one occasion as she left work, he told her to "service her husband well" while making a lewd gesture.

She claims he gave her a sexually inappropriate nickname and once by the printer he lowered his hand and "cupped it" not too far from her crotch before making lewd gestures.

There is no suggestion Callaways dealt with the treatment she was subjected to by Mr Keilthy incorrectly, as he was suspended and sacked.

The tribunal continues.