Louis Browne KC acts for Commerzbank in successful contempt of court proceedings

November 10, 2025

Louis Browne KC from Exchange Chambers, instructed by law firm Littler, has successfully acted for Commerzbank in High Court contempt of court proceedings which have resulted in a 20-month prison sentence for former analyst, Damilare Ajao.

Mr Justice Martin Spencer found Mr Ajao in “serious contempt of court” to the criminal standard for deliberately fabricating allegations of sexual harassment and attempted sexual assault against a female colleague, known as “Ms Q”, and for giving knowingly false evidence under oath.

Mr Ajao, who was employed as an analyst in Commerzbank’s London office in 2019, had brought Employment Tribunal proceedings alleging that Ms Q repeatedly sexually harassed him – including by making comments about a “string vest” visible through his shirt – and attempted to touch his belt buckle in the staff canteen. His claims were rejected by the Tribunal, with Employment Judge Snelson finding they were “false and in large part made up”.

In October 2024, Mrs Justice Eady granted Commerzbank permission to bring contempt proceedings against Mr Ajao. The bank was represented by Louis Browne KC (instructed by Littler).

In subsequent contempt proceedings before the High Court, which concluded in October 2025, Commerzbank was again represented by Louis Browne KC. Mr Ajao denied contempt, claiming that it was his “perception” that he had been the victim of sexual harassment and assault and that he had not been deliberately untruthful.

Louis Browne KC submitted that this was inconsistent with the way Mr Ajao had given his evidence.

“He was very clear in what he said in his ET claims – not that there was a perception that he was sexually harassed or assaulted,“ he argued.

“His case was very clear: these events happened and there was a clear intent and motive behind them. He was given ample opportunity to row back from these allegations.”

In his judgment, handed down on 7 November 2025, Mr Justice Martin Spencer held that there was “not a shred of truth” in the allegations made against Ms Q. He described Mr Ajao’s conduct as a “deliberate and wicked assault” on her professional standing and an attempt to deceive the court into awarding him substantial damages.

Mr Ajao was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay £150,000 towards Commerzbank’s legal costs.

The case underscores the importance of integrity in legal proceedings and the serious consequences of attempting to interfere with the administration of justice.