A manager at a multi-national pharmaceutical company denied yesterday that she had discriminated against a worker while investigating charges of sexual harassment - because he was a man.

Marilyn Spellman, a human resources manager at GlaxoSmithKline, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, was giving evidence at a tribunal brought by a manager who was given a written warning following allegations made by a female worker.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, claims he was the victim of sexual harassment, but that his claims were not taken seriously because he was a man.

He also claims breach of contract and unfair dismissal.

Miss Spellman told the Newcastle tribunal she became involved in the investigation after the worker claimed her manager had made inappropriate remarks to her after she returned from sick leave.

The firm decided against pursuing a case of sexual harassment because it was felt it could not be proved, she said.

The manager was instead given a final warning on December 18 for inappropriate managerial behaviour.

This was for repeatedly telephoning the woman at home while she was ill.

Ms Spellman said the man had not claimed either during the investigation or the original disciplinary hearing, that he had been the victim of sexual harassment. This was only brought up at a later stage.

She rebutted claims that she had discouraged him from being accompanied to the disciplinary meeting and that she had not allowed him to see witness statements.

She said the statements in question were based on hearsay evidence about the sexual harassment allegations, which had not been pursued.

John Falkenstein, for the applicant, said Ms Spellman's assurances to the woman that she would be believed had triggered her complaints.

He accused her of subjecting his client to "four hours of relentless questioning in his face" while role playing the part of his alleged victim.

Ms Spellman said: "I wanted to give him as much time as I could. We were trying to find out his view. He was treated throughout with consideration, courtesy and dignity."

The hearing continues.