‘I never tried to smuggle anything into prison’
Katherine Boyle, an employee of Dublin VEC who taught in the prison system for 15 years claims she lost her security clearance after she forgot she had left her phone in her bra strap before going through the security check on September 3, 2008.
Ms Boyle, of Donagher’s Lane, Prosperous, Co Kildare, was giving evidence on the second day of her action against the governor of St Patrick’s Institution, Irish Prison Services, minister for justice, and the State. She is seeking damages, including punitive and exemplary damages, for personal injuries allegedly suffered.
On September 9, 2008, an article appeared in the Daily Irish Star under the headline ‘Phone In Bra Jail Smuggler busted’, the court heard.
The article, which did not name Ms Boyle, said a prison worker had been suspended after being caught trying to smuggle an illegal mobile into a jail hidden inside her bra.
The contents of the article were a distortion of what had occurred, she claims.
She claims the article breached her rights including to privacy, fair procedures, and to be employed freely within the State. The Prison Service should not have disclosed the material to the media, it is claimed. The claims are denied.
The defendants said its decision to deny her access to the prison is due entirely to Ms Boyle’s own conduct on September 3 when they allege she only revealed she was in possession of the mobile phone when she was informed she was about to be subjected to a “pat-down search”.
The defendants also plead an official at the Irish Prison Service did respond to a query from the newspaper that printed the story to confirm a member of prison staff had been caught carrying a mobile phone and had been suspended in an investigation.
The case continues.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
