A former bank manager has sued Bank of Ireland for damages, claiming he was wrongfully dismissed as a result of a “wilful and malicious” conspiracy by senior bank officials.
John Higgins, former manager of the bank branch at Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, claims he was defamed by the findings of an internal bank disciplinary inquiry which, he alleges, meant he had engaged in corrupt practices including money-laundering and facilitating tax-evasion and that he was “a rogue and a scoundrel” who believed rules were “for fools”.
The bank denies the claims and says Mr Higgins was dismissed because of “gross misconduct” in the performance of his duties.
It also denies claims of a conspiracy.