A former chauffeur to multi-millionaire haulier Robert "Pino" Harris has settled a High Court action against his former employer for what is believed to be €100,000.
Mr Robert Roche said he was bullied and intimidated by Mr Harris while he worked for him for about a year up to January 2002. He claimed Mr Harris called him "chicken brain", "a fool", an "eejit", and a "twisted and contrary c***".
A father of three, Mr Roche (44), of The Glen, Alderbrook, Ashbourne, Co Meath, had brought his action for damages against J Harris Assemblers Ltd and Robert Harris. His claims were denied by the defendants.
The case opened on Wednesday but yesterday morning, when it was called before Mr Justice Diarmuid O'Donovan, Mr Richard McDonnell SC, for Mr Roche, said the action had been settled and the matter could be struck out. Mr Roche also got his costs.
The settlement, which was finalised between lawyers out of court late on Wednesday evening, is subject to a confidentiality clause but it is understood Mr Roche is to receive €100,000.
In his claim, Mr Roche alleged Mr Harris had, on one occasion, suddenly taken the keys out of the ignition while Mr Roche was driving him, forced him out of the car and left him on the road. He claimed this incident occurred on January 11th, 2002, on the Templeogue Road.
Mr Roche said Mr Harris, while sitting in the front passenger seat of his car, had suddenly grabbed the wheel from Mr Roche and also took the keys from the ignition, forcing Mr Roche to take action to avoid a collision.
Mr Harris had then forced Mr Roche to leave the car and driven off, leaving him stranded, it was claimed. Mr Roche had said there was a history of bullying and intimidation of him by Mr Harris prior to the alleged January 2002 incident. He said this incident put him in fear of his life and exposed him to risk of conviction for an indictable offence and exposed other road-users to a risk of injury and harm.
From the moment he began to work for Mr Harris, he claimed, there was verbal abuse thrown at him. He claims he worked as a chauffeur for the businessman. He said was sworn at and made to look foolish in front of guests and other people.
He added that he had "a torrid time" while working for Mr Harris for about a year until January 2002 and was stressed, depressed and angry about his treatment. He said he had experienced social withdrawal and lack of confidence.
As a result of the January 2002 incident, he said, he suffered and continues to suffer from stress, anxiety and depression and had not worked since. He had difficulties in sleeping and had nightmares. His marriage has become unsteady, he said.