I'm no predator, says accused major

An army major accused of harassing a female warrant officer said today he was a womaniser but not a sexual predator.

The 38-year-old officer, from Dorset, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused by Angela McConnell, 41, of forcing her into an affair as she felt a refusal would have jeopardised her career.

Giving evidence at an employment tribunal in Southampton, the major said: "I am certainly not a sexual predator. I think womaniser is the expression. I thoroughly enjoy the company of women. I am a flirt."

Mrs McConnell, a mother of two, is claiming sexual discrimination against the Ministry of Defence, alleging she was treated differently-from the major when their affair was exposed. She claims she was recommended for demotion or dismissal while the major, from the King's Royal Hussars, was allowed to retire on a full pension.

The major said the pair had sex in late 2002 even as Mrs McConnell's allegations against him were being submitted. "I thought it was a frightening tactic to see if the MoD would settle," he said. "I thought she realised the damage it would do to both of us, our families."

The hearing continues.