Told Green ‘don’t come closer’

Afourth Arcadia executive accused Sir Philip of “inappropriate behaviour”, including “grabbing” her face and comments that made her feel “uncomfortable”.

It is understood that the female executive, who held a senior position in the firm, found comments the businessman made “offensive” and “uncomfortable”.

On one occasion, it is understood she told the businessman “not to come any closer”, because she was unhappy about him touching her.

Sources familiar with the grievance said the woman thought it was inappropriate for Sir Philip to touch her face, including squeezing her cheeks and putting his arm around her back. It is understood that the woman felt that Sir Philip’s behaviour was “intimidating”. She was also said to be concerned about the way some of her colleagues had been treated and had allegedly seen the businessman “slap” other women’s bottoms and “squeeze” their thighs and knees.

Following a complaint, it is understood that Arcadia paid the woman hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Sir Philip’s lawyers said his “style is predominately jovial in nature” and that he “has in a playful way poked and prodded individuals with whom he has worked closely”. They added that he “has also been known to put his arms around individuals at times in a totally non-sexual way”.