THE Royal Dublin Society's chief executive, Mr Shane Cleary, said in the High Court that the majority of the female staff at the RDS were in fear of an expelled member, Mr James Yates.
Mr Cleary was giving evidence yesterday in support of the society's application for an order restraining Mr Yates, an artist, of Cill Cais, Old Bawn, Co Dublin, from communicating with staff or entering RDS premises.
Mr Yates denies intimidating or harassing employees, ineluding the exhibition organiser, Ms Olivia O'Reilly. He has counterclaimed for damages, alleging interference with his rights and privileges as a member. He claims he was slandered and IibelIed by the society.
Yesterday, Mr Cleary, while being cross examined by Mr Yates, who is conducting his own defence, said that coming up to a meeting in December 1994 (which, called for Mr Yates's resignation) he had received several calls from elderly female members. They claimed Mr Yates was calling to their homes and pressing letters on them. Mr Yates said he had done this to save postage. The letters were his background statement to the dispute.
Mr Cleary said he had seen photographs and prints of paintings done by Mr Yates for an exhibition, Through Olivia's Eyes. He found them weird. He had recognised society employees, including Ms O'Reilly in the pictures.
Mr Cleary said he regarded some of the paintings as gross intimidation of Ms O'Reilly.
The hearing continues today.