Boss to pay $733k for sex harassment

A Sydney woman who was told by her boss she should have sex with him because she needed a baby has been awarded more than $730,000 in damages.

Janette Trolan, 52, began working at WD Gelle Insurance and Finance Brokers in August 2008 when Warren Gelle started making unwanted advances towards her.

The months of harassment included putting his hand up her dress and telling her he wanted to have sex with her because he thought she needed a baby.

Mr Gelle is also alleged to have turned up at her home and demanded entry shortly after Ms Trolan left work on worker's compensation.

In awarding Ms Trolan $733,723, District Court Judge Leonard Levy said Mr Gelle's advances were uninvited and unwelcome.

He said Ms Trolan was in a position of vulnerability and was forced to leave her job following months of stress.