Woman wins damages of €5k after claiming defamation in filling station

A woman who claimed she had been accused of stealing money dropped by another customer in a Co Dublin filling station, claimed damages for defamation and negligence totalling €88,000, the Circuit Civil Court heard.

Silifat Gbolahan sued Topaz Energy Limited, which runs the Swords Petrol Filling Station and Shop, alleging that an accusation had been levelled at her when she dropped two €20 notes at the checkout till in the store.

Ms Gbolahan, of Lioscian, Swords, told Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke that when she went to pay for petrol a member of staff shouted: “Don’t take her money. It’s not hers. It belongs to the man who has just left.”