A former security man at the home of billionaire businessman JP McManus was sacked after he was found asleep on the job, an Employment Appeals Tribunal has heard.
John Alymer (32), Ballyvista, Emly, Co Tipperary, is taking an unfair dismissal case against Mr McManus’s wife, Noreen McManus, of Martinstown Stud, Kilmallock, Co Limerick.
Mr Alymer, who worked at the 400-acre stud farm for 10 years prior to his dismissal, also claims he did not receive the required minimum notice.
It is alleged Mr Alymer was observed sleeping for 20 minutes during a random security test carried out at Martinstown Stud on June 9th, 2010.
Outlining the case at the tribunal in Limerick yesterday, Mairéad McKenna, barrister for Mrs McManus, said security was paramount for the McManus family, who reside on an extensive estate that also houses high-value racehorses.
She said it also housed an extensive art collection and high-value vehicles and machinery.
The hearing was told the number of security officers at the stud was increased from four to 10 when the McManuses’ new home was completed in 2009.
At the time of his dismissal Mr Alymer, whose net weekly income was €459, was on a final written warning. The tribunal was told he was suspended for five days after an incident in February 2010 when he claimed €1,500 worth of damage was caused to his car as a result of a malfunctioning bollard system on the estate.
Colm Hannon, house manager at Martinstown, said in evidence Mr Alymer had attempted to “extort money” and said CCTV footage showed Mr Alymer pushing buttons to raise the bollards while another person drove his car.
DJ Roche, head of security at Martinstown, said he saw Mr Alymer asleep during a random security check.
The case was adjourned for further evidence until February 19th next.