An Army sergeant yesterday withdrew a High Court action against the State for compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, Sgt Michael Pearse settled his deafness claim for an undisclosed sum.
Sgt Pearse (41), of Lacken View, Naas, Co Kildare, who is stationed at Devoy Barracks, Naas, had issued proceedings in which he claimed he suffered PTSD as a result of an incident in June 1991 when an 18-year-old soldier under his command committed suicide.
Sgt Pearse said his personality underwent a change and he blamed himself for the fatal shooting. He claimed the State failed to identify him as a person susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder. In its defence, the State denied Sgt Pearse had suffered from PTSD. The State also alleged the deafness claim was statute-barred and that the State was prejudiced by the delay in bringing the claim.
Sgt Pearse claimed he was unaware of his psychological condition until diagnosed in May 1997. His condition had caused anguish and despair to his wife and family.
He claimed the State failed to provide a comprehensive psychological/psychiatric service as part of the Army Medical Corps to personnel who had been under fire or involved in life-threatening situations, and had also failed to implement a system of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing before 1993. He also alleged he was exposed to loud noise from Army weaponry during his 24 years of military service.
Yesterday, after several hours of talks between the parties, Mr Alan Mahon SC, for Sgt Pearse, told Mr Justice Kinlen the case had been settled and on consent the action could be struck out.
He added that, by agreement, Sgt Pearse was withdrawing his claim for compensation relating to PTSD.