Photographer accused of bullying young prodigy

Dec 5 2009 by Alastair Craig, The Journal

“David would make frequent comments about my weight and appearance. On many occasions he pinched my stomach and rolled his eyes in a disapproving manner. I found this extremely upsetting and offensive.”

Ms Smith, who has now launched her own photography business GS Studio in Newcastle’s Pink Lane, also claims she was hounded back to work while recovering from a two-week hospital stay after an emergency operation.

She told the hearing: “One time I had been to the chip shop near the studio and bought my lunch. When I went back to the office I put my food on my desk while I went to deal with a client.

“When I got back my food had been put in the bin and I said to David, ‘have you put my lunch in the bin?’. He said that I shouldn’t be eating that kind of food. He ate chocolate bars belonging to me and said I shouldn’t be eating them. He was implying this because of my weight.

“David once pointed at a photo of me and said ‘remember when you used to look like that. You would never think that you had been that thin’.

“All the comments were demeaning and made me feel worthless and knocked my self-esteem. I felt bad about myself and self-conscious.

“This sort of behaviour went on so frequently I became depressed and was diagnosed by my doctor and prescribed anti-depressants.

“I still feel very upset about what David did. It still affects me on a daily basis because I feel I have to wear lots of make-up and hair extensions.”

Mr Lawson, 44, denies Ms Smith’s claims and told the tribunal he was astonished by the grievances raised by his former employee.

He told the hearing: “The humiliating treatment alleged is totally refuted. To say I find the claims offensive would be an understatement.

“In relation to Gemma’s weight I have explained she was quite besotted by it and certainly did not need me to comment. She was the one who created the chart in the work room. I thoroughly deny pinching her stomach.

“I don’t think in this day and age I would have taken a young girl by myself to the studio and made such outrageous comments. Gemma being Gemma, everyone would have been told, including her friends.

“I am taken aback by the accusation that I violated Gemma’s dignity. The only dignity that has been violated is mine. I would never have done anything to offend Gemma. She was a friend.

“I spent a lot of time training Gemma, giving her all my wealth of experience, more than I had done with any of my previous staff.

“That was how confident I was in her and how much I trusted her ability.”

The tribunal reserved judgment on the case for deliberations.