Chauffeur tells of being 'bullied' by boss

A man is suing Dublin businessman Robert "Pino" Harris for damages, alleging he was bullied and intimidated while working as a chauffeur for Mr Harris and was called a "chicken brain" and a "twisted and contrary c***".

In High Court proceedings for damages, Robert Roche claims he had a "torrid time" working for Mr Harris, who also called him "a fool" and "an eejit".

He says 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. As a result of this incident four years ago, he claims he has been unable to work and remains under medical supervision.

He claims this latter incident occurred on January 11th, 2002, on the Templeogue Road, Dublin. He says 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 had driven off, leaving him stranded, it is claimed.

The action by Mr Roche (44), a father of three, of The Glen, Alderbrook, Ashbourne, Co Meath, against J Harris Assemblers Ltd and Robert Harris, opened yesterday before Mr Justice Diarmuid O'Donovan and continues today. The claims are denied by the defendants.

In his proceedings, Mr Roche claims there was a history of bullying and intimidation of him by Mr Harris prior to the alleged January 2001 incident. He says that 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.

He claims that, from the moment he began to work for Mr Harris, there was verbal abuse thrown at him. He claims he was sworn at, called chicken brain and a fool and exposed to derogatory comments such as: "Sure, what's the point of knocking if there's nobody in." He also claims he was called an "eejit", lazy and no good and made to look foolish in front of guests and other people.

Mr Roche claims 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 claims his marriage suffered and he had diminished interest in life and experienced social withdrawal and lack of confidence.

Before his alleged experiences, he claims he was a good mixer, a worrier, conscientious and hard working.

As a result of the January 2002 incident, he claims he suffered and continues to suffer from stress, anxiety and depression. He had difficulties in sleeping and had nightmares. He said his marriage had also become unsteady.

The hearing continues today.