A former station manager with Mid-West Radio returned to the station in 1994 to find his office was gone, the programme he had broadcast for five years had been taken over, and he had been given the job of a technician, the High Court was told yesterday.
Mr Henry McGlade said he found all those changes when he returned to the station in 1994 following a suspension. But he had not complained either to the board at the station or to a trade union because he was simply glad to be back at work.
He agreed that he had, in fact, written to the chairman of the station's board telling him he was enjoying his work.
Yesterday was the ninth day of the action by Mr McGlade, of Cillora Cottage, Breaffy, Castlebar, Co Mayo, against County Mayo Radio Ltd of Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, which carries on business as Mid-West Radio. Mr McGlade is seeking damages for alleged harassment, bullying and intimidation by the station chief executive, Mr Paul Claffey. All the claims are denied by the respondents.
Answering Mr Henry Bourke SC, for the station, Mr McGlade agreed he had not replied in writing to two letters from Mr Claffey complaining about money for advertising not being handed over. He had handed the letters to his solicitor for him to deal with. Mr McGlade said he then joined the community radio station in Castlebar but left in June 1997 because he was suffering flashbacks from his time in MWR. He also developed phobias, fears and nervousness. He was undergoing counselling.
When he left the community radio, he pursued other business interests such as discos in various Mayo towns and corporate entertainment at Ashford Castle hotel.
Mr McGlade said he was suicidal and thought of taking his own life in 1994. He acknowledged he had told a psychologist who interviewed him that he had never been suicidal in his life. He said that statement was due to a misunderstanding. The hearing continues today.