Court hears of Foley's ordeal

The High Court has been told that media disclosure of the Aer Lingus sexual harassment case led to pre-judgement of company CEO Michael Foley.

Mr Foley denies findings that he sexually harassed two female employees of Aer Lingus last year.

The High Court has heard that Mr Foley was subjected to intense media coverage over an internal inquiry investigating allegations of sexual harassment.

The contents of this report were meant to be confidential. The court heard that when Michael Foley returned from his holidays he found the Irish Times on his desk.

The paper recorded Mr Foley's return despite the fact that only three Aer Lingus executives actually knew of his movements.

Mr Foley was shocked at the media coverage. He said it was assassination, it was lethal, it was worse than death.