'Why wasn't sex pest boss fired?'
A SEX PEST is continuing to work in a senior role at a popular Tonbridge restaurant, the Courier can reveal.
Robert DeBoick held on to his job at Hilden Manor Beefeater on London Road – despite groping a male former work colleague.
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SEXUAL HARASSMENT: Robert DeBoick is still the kitchen manager at Hilden Manor Beefeater (inset) despite groping a male former work colleague
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SEXUAL HARASSMENT: Robert DeBoick (inset) is still the kitchen manager at Hilden Manor Beefeater despite groping a male former work colleague Main picture PL1301105_2
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A tribunal in Ashford heard he also indecently exposed himself to his victim on two occasions – and was warned about his behaviour by Kent Police and his bosses at Whitbread.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is furious that DeBoick, whose wife Lisa is the venue's general manager, kept his job as kitchen manager even though an employment tribunal ruled against him.
He said: "I'm very angry he's still there. I only found out recently he was still in the same job, when I was basically forced to move on.
"This has affected me so much financially and emotionally.
"Normally, when someone does this, they'd at least get moved away.
"Whitbread has failed to recognise what he has done. They've been given plenty of time to do the right thing but they haven't. I think it's ill management on their behalf."
DeBoick admitted at the October tribunal to touching his victim's nipples, testicles and bottom – and also to telling him he loved him.
He said it was all part of kitchen "banter" and "horseplay" which regularly occurred between members of staff.
But the tribunal said it was sexual harassment. In her judgement, Employment Judge Victoria Wallis said she "was satisfied DeBoick engaged in unwanted verbal, non-verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature towards the claimant."
She also concluded that DeBoick's behaviour led to the victim moving to another job.
DeBoick was ordered to pay his victim £1,040 in compensation, and Whitbread ordered to pay £5,200.
DeBoick declined to comment when contacted by the Courier.
A statement from Whitbread, whose internal investigation into the sexual harassment was slammed by the tribunal as "inadequate", said: "We felt we had investigated the allegations thoroughly and we treated the matter with the severity it deserved.
"We are confident that no further allegations, of the same nature, will be raised by employees of the site.
"Our regional operations manager will be retraining all managers on employee relations matters."
106 Comments
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by Hastings, Hastings
Tuesday, February 23 2010, 4:05PM
“oh dear i always knew he was pervrted but not gay! It was only a matter of time before everyone found out!”
by Julia, Kent
Sunday, January 31 2010, 10:13PM
“Does that place have a really high turnover?”
by You know who I am Lisa, Bexhill
Wednesday, January 27 2010, 5:47PM
“Remind us, why was it you left The White Hart Beefeater in Guestling?”
by A Parent, Tonbridge
Wednesday, January 27 2010, 11:32AM
“the last post from - Hilden Manor Employee, Kent - I think says it all.
It clearly shows "what lies beneath" - in this saga.
Why on earth would so many people keep putting forward the same concerns?
Whitbread must act NOW.”
by Beefeater Employee, Kent
Monday, January 25 2010, 2:05PM
“Clearly the value of freedom of speech has flown directly out of the window. The comments made by Tristan and others have been removed as the content perhaps hit a nerve and rather close to the 'victim' and his band of followers. The comments posted about Robert being a Beast and Sex Pest are abusive and not needed. A good way for the local rag to sell papers with a shocking headline. Time for the paper to remove this before it becomes out of hand. Clearly the protestors and the 'victim' dont like things being said, then may I suggest they now stop.”
by Not Team Debroik, Tonbridge
Monday, January 25 2010, 10:43AM
“Thanks to the Courier for removing much of the offensive/abusive comments on this blog.”
by Alan, Tonbridge
Sunday, January 24 2010, 5:39PM
“Must give the Hilden manor a miss, Robert Deboick admitted to touching his victims nipples, testicles and bottom at a tribunal, if his mind is that sex fiended, personal hygiene like washing his hand after the assault and then continuing to prepare and cook food for his customers is the last thing on his mind”
by Anonomous, Close by
Sunday, January 24 2010, 3:08PM
“This is a message for Lisa Deboick.
Lisa, you are the one i truly feel sorry for in all of this. You have been dragged along in this fiasco because of your loyalty to your husband when many others would have walked away from him. This whole mess has nothing to do with you, so why are you putting up with it? If it's true (and having worked with Rob before i have a strong feeling it is), then why stand for it? You're a lovely person, and a good general manager who always had the respect of her team. Rob never did.
Hope you're ok xxxxxxxxxxxxxx”
by John Dunphy, sussex
Sunday, January 24 2010, 8:13AM
“Lisa, Tristan, Stuart and the rest of team Deboick Believe it or not I don't care this is the first time i'm writing on this blog.
Say what you want about me but not my daughters leave them out of unlike Robert they are innocent.
Tristan you have never even spoken to me yet you slate as if you have known me for years.
Lisa I had nothing to do with any protest you and the rest of your tiny tiny tiny group of what you call friends all know what Robert is like and it's his fault your in this mess.
You shouting off saying "you wont win victim" won't win what?. I won in court when it was me representing myself against You Robert Whitbread and the 2 solicitors whitbread paid for remember?. I know Ive won when I look at my family and i am truly happy with what im so fortunate have and don't feel the need to sexually harass people. Slate on this blog I don't care but leave my family out of and don't hide behind Anon or have Whitbread had enough of you hiding behind them?. At the end of the day Robert, your so called team Deboick, Yourself and Whitbread all know I'm telling the truth and you're angry because I stood up to you and Whitbread and the bullying and said no this not acceptable. The courier printed facts from a tribunal so carry on calling them lies but you know the truth and thats enough for me.
You can bother replying to this as Anon but i wouldn't waste your time I'm not going to read
it I'm done with you and your poor excuse of a husband Ive got a family to raise. Thanks to the courier Whitbread can no longer sweep this under the carpet which has given me complete closure believe what you want but you are no longer worth my time as you have been exposed for what you are.
I'm sure angry but its not with me it's with you and your husband, as you know I'm telling the truth.”
by anon, kent
Saturday, January 23 2010, 11:57PM
“Clearly the comments posted last night from a supporter may have touched a nerve. This is clearly getting out of control and perhaps should now stop. The Deboicks are not moving so get on with your lives. They are running a successful business and will continue to do so! Regardless of some half witts standing on the pavement with some 'blue peter' banners. You are clearly not sweet and innocent and people in glass houses shouldnt throw stones.
I wouldnt waste your time with another protest as it will fall on deaf ears. You need to move on as you will not win!”