Full Breakdown
Damilare Ajao's Contempt of Court Case: A Legal Overview
2/21/2026, 1:10:17 AM
Background of the Case
Damilare Ajao, a former employee of Commerzbank, was involved in a legal dispute stemming from allegations of sexual harassment against a female manager, referred to as "Ms Q." Ajao claimed that Ms Q made inappropriate comments about his appearance and attempted to engage in unwanted physical contact during their interactions at the bank's London office between May and November 2019. Following his dismissal from the bank in November 2019, Ajao filed a compensation claim with an Employment Tribunal, asserting that he was a victim of sexual harassment and assault.
Court Proceedings and Findings
The Employment Tribunal, presided over by Judge Anthony Snelson, dismissed Ajao's claims in April 2024, labeling them as "wholly bogus." The judge found that Ajao's allegations were fabricated and lacked credibility. In a subsequent High Court hearing, Commerzbank sought to hold Ajao in contempt of court for his false claims. Mr. Justice Martin Spencer found Ajao guilty of 12 counts of contempt, stating that his actions constituted a "deliberate and wicked assault" on Ms Q's professional reputation. He was sentenced to 20 months in prison and ordered to pay £150,000 towards the bank's legal costs.
Appeal and Sentence Reduction
Ajao appealed the contempt ruling, and on appeal, the Court of Appeal judges, Lord Justice Lewis and Lord Justice Miles, acknowledged that Mr. Justice Spencer had applied incorrect sentencing guidelines. They reduced Ajao's sentence to eight months, taking into account mitigating factors such as his loss of employment, failed marriage, and reliance on Universal Credit. Despite the reduction, the judges emphasized the seriousness of Ajao's actions, noting his lack of remorse and the impact of his false allegations on the judicial process.
Official Statements & Responses
The judges highlighted the gravity of Ajao's actions, stating, "He made false allegations deliberately and over a period of time and he fabricated evidence in order to obtain damages." They expressed that such conduct undermines the administration of justice. Ajao, on the other hand, maintained that his perception of being harassed was genuine, asserting that he did not intend to be untruthful.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Ajao's actions have pointed out the potential implications of his false allegations on the credibility of genuine claims of sexual harassment. The case has drawn attention to the importance of maintaining integrity within the legal system, particularly in sensitive matters involving workplace conduct.
What's Next
Following the appeal, Ajao was taken to Pentonville Prison to serve his reduced sentence. The case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of making false allegations and the importance of upholding truthfulness in court proceedings.
