Court dismisses former prison officer's action over his dismissal 32 years ago

Sean O'Brien had also claimed damages for injury sustained during an attempted escape by a high security political prisoner

The defendants claimed in court that between 1980, when the ex-prison officer first started in the service as a probationer, and 1989, he was absent a total of 682 days. File photo

A legal action by a former prison officer over his alleged wrongful dismissal more than 30 years ago has been dismissed by the High Court.

Mr Justice Mark Sanfey said the "extraordinary delay" in prosecuting Sean O'Brien's action against the Minister for Justice and the State meant it should be dismissed.