I was made a pariah, says bank manager

A senior AIB manager has told the High Court he was made a "pariah" after he was allegedly suspended in retaliation for making a bullying claim against a superior.

Sean McHugh was suspended on full pay from AIB’s Business Centre in Galway last year and is now suing the bank.

In evidence, Sean McHugh said he was given just 10 minutes to clear his desk, and was told not to speak to any colleagues – many of whom were long-standing friends – without the authorisation of the bank.

The court heard he was suspended from AIB in September last year after 36 years of service for alleged misconduct.

His suspension relates to an alleged conflict of interest in the sanctioning of loans to individuals who were directors of Galway United Football Club, as he was the club’s licensing officer.

However, the banker from Barna, Co Galway denies any conflict of interest and says he believes the reason he was suspended was for making a bullying claim against a superior.

The 54-year-old says he has taken legal action in the hope it will give courage to others to stand up to bullying.

The case continues.