Ex-prison officer claims racist jibes made about his family

A RETIRED prison officer told the High Court yesterday he was subjected to racist comments about his Asian wife and children who he said were described as “half breeds” while efforts were made to demean and belittle him over a period of several years.

Edward Keenan claims he suffered personal and psychological injuries, mental distress and physical illness because of the alleged bullying and harassment. He is taking the proceedings against prison officers David Power and Thomas Somers along with the Governor of Arbour Hill Prison, the Irish Prison Service and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

All the defendants deny the claims and say an investigation against one of the officers was “aborted”.