Maid's 'lies' over house slave claims

An employment tribunal ruled that Yoyoh Binti Salim Udin made up allegations against Firas and Lina Chamsi-Pasha after they outed her as a thief.

The 40-year-old Indonesian had claimed she drank acid in a suicide attempt to escape her ordeal at the hands of the couple. But it was ruled that the "shame" of being caught stealing from the family led to the attempt on her own life and that allegations of cruelty were fabricated.

The maid's claims against her employers included being forced to work 17-hour days, seven days a week.

She also complained of racial discrimination and being subjected to cruel behaviour at the hands of Mr and Mrs Chamsi-Pasha. This included being banned from leaving the house and having her passport confiscated.

It was also alleged she was subjected to a strip-search after being accused of stealing earrings in February 2009.

But her claims were "pure invention" the employment tribunal panel ruled.

Ms Salim Udin had joined the Chamsi-Pashas at their London home in 2004.

The panel ruled that the claimant was entitled to some money as a result of not being paid the minimum wage and not taking her annual leave.