Verdict awaited into sexual harassment claims against ex-Hartlepool MP
Mr Hill, who was the town’s MP between 2017 and March this year, has denied allegations by the woman, who can only be known as Ms A, that he groped her and rubbed himself against her.
A Central London Employment Tribunal has heard, however, that he admitted wanting to have a sexual relationship with her.
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Hide AdHe also told the hearing: “At some stage, I believe I was in love with her.”
But Mr Hill, who confirmed he was married at the time of sending her “embarrassing” text messages, said he “accepted” that the claimant did not want a romantic sexual relationship with him.
He said he was “wearing my heart on my sleeve”, which was “not unusual” for him.
Ms A had earlier told the tribunal how she suffered bullying and sexual harassment over a 16-month period.
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Hide AdShe said: “I felt Mr Hill had a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ personality in that time, he would be friendly with me, but at others, particularly after I rejected his advances, he would turn and act like he hated me.”
Evidence in the case has now concluded with a judgement due to be made at the end of next month.
Depending on the outcome, a provisional remedy date has been set for November 4-5 at the Central London Employment Tribunal.
Mr Hill’s resignation triggered the by-election that saw the Conservatives win control of the town’s Parliamentary constituency earlier this month for the first time in 57 years.
