City boss 'hired a hitman' claim

Jordan Wimmer was dismissed from her job in February 2009

A City executive claiming sex discrimination against her boss, believes he hired someone to kill her, an employment tribunal has heard.

The hearing was told Jordan Wimmer, 29, of Chelsea, west London, called the police after being followed by a man in May this year.

Ms Wimmer accuses her boss, Mark Lowe, of humiliating her when they worked together at Nomos Capital.

Mr Lowe, who now lives in Switzerland, denies the allegations.

Notes of a conversation she had had with a doctor showed Ms Wimmer claimed a man who looked like Mr Lowe drove a car at her.

Elizabeth Melville, representing Mr Lowe, read part of a doctor's note which said "her boss had always said he knew lots of Russians and could get rid of people in a heartbeat".

Ms Melville said: "Is it your belief Mr Lowe was trying to get a hit man or member of his family to kill you?"

Businessman Mark Lowe denies allegations of sex discrimination

Ms Wimmer replied: "Yes."

Asked if she thought her claims were the product of "an overactive imagination", Ms Wimmer said: "No I don't. If you knew your client you would understand."

Canadian Ms Wimmer is claiming for sex discrimination, unlawful deduction of wages, unfair constructive dismissal and disability discrimination.

She had been dismissed in February 2009 and had previously told the central London employment tribunal she was humiliated by Mr Lowe.

The businesswoman told the hearing she felt demeaned when Mr Lowe brought a provocatively dressed "unsavoury person" to a business event in Hong Kong.

"It's so degrading for me to have to stand in a pinstripe suit next to somebody in Dior hotpants that don't cover her buttocks when she is standing there in stilettos with her breasts pushed out," she said.

She has also told the inquiry Mr Lowe regarded blonde women as "inferior" and boasted to her about his love of Asian women.

Miss Melville told the hearing that Miss Wimmer was "prone to exaggeration and fantasy" and had actually turned down an offer of help at work.

The tribunal continues.