Marc Bandemer, 61, was declared bankrupt at Reading County Court this week after a judge ruled he had deliberately avoided paying nearly £100,000 in compensation owed to Louise Crabtree, a senior executive from Romsey. The order came after Bandemer failed to meet payment deadlines set by an employment tribunal that found him liable for sexual harassment in 2024.
Crabtree, 51, told the tribunal that Bandemer subjected her to a year-long campaign of belittling remarks, unwanted physical contact, and overt sexual advances after she joined Integer Wealth Global, a Hampshire-based financial services firm, in April 2021. Evidence presented in court described how he referred to her as his “second wife,” purchased a “commitment” ring, and even suggested buying a “love nest” in Cyprus. On one occasion, he pulled her onto his lap in front of her partner and family. The tribunal heard that Crabtree initially tolerated the behaviour to protect her £124,000-a-year salary but was eventually forced out in May 2022 after resisting his demands.
Key Points
- ✅ Marc Bandemer declared bankrupt at Reading County Court
- ⚡ Failed to pay £99,214 compensation awarded to Louise Crabtree
- 💡 Case exposed repeated harassment spanning over a year
In her witness statement, Crabtree described lasting psychological damage, including an inability to work comfortably with male colleagues and severe anxiety during job interviews. “The impact on my mental and physical health still affects me today,” she said. “I feel I was groomed, and I struggle to process what happened.” Despite attempts to secure new employment, Crabtree said she avoided male-dominated workplaces entirely, further isolating her professional recovery.
📋 By The Numbers
- £124,000 — Crabtree’s annual salary before forced resignation
- May 2022 — Date Crabtree left Integer Wealth Global
- June 2024 — First payment attempt after bailiffs intervened
When compensation payments stalled, Crabtree pursued insolvency proceedings against Bandemer, joined by Herrington Carmichael, the law firm previously hired by Bandemer that also remained unpaid. The court’s bankruptcy ruling marked the culmination of a protracted legal battle that saw Bandemer evade payments through evasive tactics, including claims of residing in Cyprus despite evidence suggesting he remained in Basingstoke. “He hid in his flat and would not answer the door,” Crabtree said. “The whole process has been exhausting, but I never wanted this to be just about money.”
💡 Pro Tip
Document every incident of harassment immediately—written records, messages, and witness accounts strengthen legal cases and prevent employers from dismissing claims as exaggerated or isolated.
The case has reignited conversations about accountability in wealth management, an industry where power imbalances often silence victims. Crabtree, who has not ruled out further legal action against Bandemer for additional debts, hopes the outcome empowers others in similar positions. “I did this for myself, but also for the next person who might be in my shoes,” she said. “Workplace harassment cases are winnable, and victims should know the system can work if they refuse to back down.”
- 📊 Sexual harassment in finance often goes unreported due to fear of career consequences
- 🔍 Bankruptcy rulings rarely guarantee full compensation recovery for victims
- ⚠️ Power dynamics in wealth management firms can enable predatory behaviour
Crabtree’s legal team confirmed that while the bankruptcy may prevent Bandemer from operating new businesses, it does not erase his debts. “This sends a clear message that evasion has consequences,” her solicitor said. “But for Louise, the real victory is the public acknowledgment of what happened to her.”
