A senior clerical officer with Iarnród Éireann suffered a complete mental breakdown after she was subjected to severe bullying, sexual harassment, victimisation and intimidation at work, it was claimed in the High Court yesterday.
Ms Amanda Sherry's health collapsed in October 2000 and she suffered a complete mental breakdown, Mr Justice Gilligan was told. She has not worked since although she has remained on the books of the company.
Ms Sherry (35), Finnstown Priory, Lucan, Co Dublin, has taken an action for damages against Iarnród Éireann and Mr John Cronin, a former employee of the company with an address c/o Iarnród Éireann.
Damages are being claimed for alleged infliction of emotional upset, mental distress, harassment, victimisation and breach of contract.
Mr Michael McMahon SC, for Ms Sherry, said that after being employed in a number of positions at Connolly Station, she began work in September 1999 in an area which dealt with a ticketing system.
Counsel said that almost immediately from the time Ms Sherry started work there, she ran into all sorts of difficulties. Initially, Mr Cronin would not show Ms Sherry any of the things involved in the system. She would have to sit opposite him at a desk. Anything she did was severely criticised. She was bullied and harassed by the activities of Mr Cronin and complained to her immediate supervisor.
In early 2000, Ms Sherry began to suffer the effects of the behaviour she was faced with. She began to dread going to work and went through sleepless nights.
It became apparent that she was not the only person who had been sexually harassed by Mr Cronin. While Ms Sherry was out sick, the post she had was advertised and somebody else got it, counsel said.
Mr Roddy Horan SC, for the defence, said a number of Ms Sherry's claims were being conceded. He said Mr Cronin (who has since left the company) would not be called as a witness. A plea of contributory negligence was being maintained by the defence.
The hearing continues today.