A former partner at magic circle firm Linklaters has been jailed for more than three years for sexual assault. Thomas Elser, who worked in Germany, was jailed for three years, three months. Another former partner Laurenz Schmitt was handed a seven-month suspended sentence for punching Elser in the face. The sentences were handed down at the Munich District Court yesterday.

Both incidents took place in 2014 after an Oktoberfest party.

The Gazette understands the incident involved a student who was interning at the firm.

The firm conducted its own investigation after the incident and both partners left the firm with immediate effect. A Linklaters spokesperson said: ’We have always been mindful that there is a young student at the centre of this case. That concern has guided our behaviour and priorities throughout.’