Sacked bank manager begins damages action

A SACKED bank manager has begun a High Court action against Bank of Ireland for damages, claiming he was wrongfully dismissed as a result of a “willful and malicious” conspiracy by senior bank officials.

John Higgins, of Dundalk, Co Louth, claims he was defamed by the findings of an internal bank disciplinary inquiry which, he alleges, meant he had engaged in corrupt practices including money laundering and facilitating tax evasion.

The allegations against Mr Higgins were “utterly contrived” and “devastated his reputation” both in the banking industry and around his home area, Frank Callanan, counsel for Mr Higgins, argued yesterday.

Mr Higgins, former manager at the BoI branch at Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, who rejects all allegations of wrongdoing against him, is suing BoI for wrongful dismissal and is further seeking damages from BoI for slander, libel, breach of contract, injury to his professional reputation and conspiracy.

Bank of Ireland, which denies all the claims against it, said Mr Higgins was dismissed because of “gross misconduct” in the performance of his duties.

It claims that he is not entitled to any of the relief he seeks.

The case before Mr Justice Daniel O’Keeffe continues.