Jassen Venkatasamy

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

The SRA alleged that Mr Venkatasamy kissed Person A on the lips at a firm social event, which was inappropriate, unwanted and/or sexually motivated, in breach of Principles 2 and 5 and paragraph 1.2 of the Code. He admitted being the man involved but said the kiss was an inadvertent, momentary error when intending a goodbye kiss on the cheek. The Tribunal found all witnesses truthful, considered Ms Bennett's evidence supportive of the Respondent's account of a quick peck, and could not prefer Person A's evidence over the Respondent's. The Applicant failed to discharge the burden of proof, so the allegation was found not proved and dismissed. The SRA sought costs of £22,895.52, but the Tribunal made No Order as to costs as the Respondent had successfully defended the matter.