Girl, 11, awarded €3.5k for distress after bank raid

An 11-year-old girl who was present in a Cork AIB branch when the bank was being robbed was yesterday awarded €3,500 for the distress that she suffered.

Barrister Helen Boyle said that she was recommending acceptance of the offer by Allied Irish Banks plc at Cork Circuit Court to Ciara Robinson. The girl, now 14, brought the case against the bank through her mother Lorna Kirby of Alderbrook, Frankfield, Cork.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin directed that the money be invested on behalf of the plaintiff until she reaches the age of 18.

The girl was present as a customer in the AIB bank on North Main St in Cork on March 5, 2013.

Ms Boyle BL said the young plaintiff suffered psychological distress at the time but the condition had disappeared after three months.

The bank offered the award in settlement of a civil action for damages.