Security guard awarded €20k for defamation

A SECURITY guard accused of switching off security cameras in a shopping centre to facilitate shop lifters has been awarded €20,000 damages for defamation of character.

Gerard Griffin, aged 31, of Esker Cottages, Lucan, Co Dublin, told the Circuit Civil Court an employee of Dunnes Stores had accused him of taking money to turn off the tapes.

He said he was employed by Allied Security Network Ltd, Militta Road, Kildare, to work in The Mill Centre, Clondalkin, and on August 7, 2008, had been called to a meeting with his employers.