The wife of a 28-year-old Dublin man who claims he was defamed after he was falsely accused of stealing a toy duck has told the High Court that her husband became depressed after the incident, which damaged their relationship.
Deirdre Mongan (28) said that in the weeks and months after her husband David was accused of stealing the toy, he gradually became withdrawn, paranoid, started drinking more, and was aggressive and violent towards her.
She said that she tried to convince him to get help, which he initially refused to do, before he was diagnosed as having depression.
In his action, David Mongan claims he was defamed when a security guard at Smyths Toy Superstores on Belgard Road, Tallaght, on November 27th, 2007, asked him in in front of other shoppers, "Where is the duck? I know you have it. I want to see it. Take it out. I'd like to see where the duck is and what have you done with it."
Mr Mongan, of Owendoher Haven, Ballyboden, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, is seeking damages against Smyth's Toys, Smyth's Toy's Holdings, and Smyth's Toys properties Ltd, and security company Goldforce Ltd.
The defendants deny all claims against them. The hearing continues.