David Jones harrassment case starts today

The A$37 million ($47 million) sexual harassment case against David Jones and its former chief executive, Mark McInnes, will have its first airing in court today, despite reports that a settlement was imminent.

Sources close to the case said the reports were wrong.

While the parties have been negotiating in the hope of reaching a settlement, David Jones is believed to be a long way from meeting the A$37 million sought by the publicist Kirsty Fraser-Kirk.

The Federal Court in Sydney will hold a preliminary hearing today for the lawsuit, in which Ms Fraser-Kirk claims Mr McInnes put his hands under her clothing, tried to kiss her and repeatedly sent her text messages after being asked to stop.

''David Jones is committed to a fair and reasonable resolution of the matter but if this cannot be reached, then we are prepared to defend the matter in court,'' a David Jones spokeswoman said. She declined to say how much David Jones was willing to pay Ms Fraser-Kirk to settle the case, but it is believed to be less than A$1 million.

On his return to Australia two weeks ago Mr McInnes said many of Ms Fraser-Kirk's claims were untrue and he would immediately start work on a defence.

''It will include my detailed denials and rebuttals and is the first step in the legal process,'' Mr McInnes said.

Yesterday a spokeswoman for Mr McInnes declined to say when a defence would be filed, but it is believed Mr McInnes is waiting for the court to set a deadline.

- © Fairfax NZ News