A former Army private currently serving a four-year prison sentence in the Curragh was awarded more than £20,000 by the High Court yesterday in a claim for damages for hearing loss.
Michael Christie, single, of Liffey Drive, Newbridge, Co Kildare, is serving a sentence for matters unconnected with his military service, Mr Alan Mahon SC, for the soldier, told Mr Justice O'Sullivan.
Christie (45) told the court he was a soldier for 19 years, from 1974 to 1993, and did not work after that. He said people had to shout at him before he could hear them. He had buzzing in his ears. The State's claim that Christie's application was statute barred was rejected by Mr Justice O'Sullivan, who awarded damages at £20,476. He also awarded Christie his legal costs.
