The crime correspondent who replaced Ms Veronica Guerin on the Sunday Independent yesterday alleged she was harassed and intimidated in the job and in the end resigned.
At a hearing of the Employment Appeals Tribunal, Ms Liz Allen broke down in tears several times while she gave evidence. She is claiming constructive dismissal against the newspaper.
Mr Rory Brady SC, for Ms Allen, said her health was damaged and her career in ruins after the events which allegedly took place during her time at the newspaper from August 1996 to September 2000.
Mr Mark Connaughton, counsel for Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Ltd, said his clients rejected absolutely any allegation that they conducted any harassment, bullying or intimidation of Ms Allen.
Ms Allen broke down in tears when she said: "The two most senior people in the office didn't acknowledge me . . . it affected my morale. I even had difficulty picking up the phone, my confidence was shot, I felt like a piece of dirt." She said her confidence was being chipped away bit by bit. "I wanted to be regarded with dignity and a bit of respect. I wasn't asking for anything else but respect and dignity and everywhere I went I was told I'd get it and I didn't."
Mr Brady said that in July 1996 Ms Allen worked with the Sunday Tribune. "The genesis of this case arises from the murder of Veronica Guerin in June 1996. After that, my client received a call from Mr Aengus Fanning, the editor, who asked my client to meet him," he said.
Two meetings took place with Mr Fanning, and Ms Allen looked for £45,000 a year. She said she would have to work outside normal hours. Mr Fanning made it clear she would have complete freedom. He offered £35,000 with expenses of £300 a month over and above the legitimate expenses of £600 to £900. Her car tax and insurance were also paid.
She began work on August 12th, 1996. On the first day she met Mr Jody Corcoran who later became assistant news editor. From that day he ignored her. She experienced tension and a sense of isolation which continued through 1996/97.
In August 1999, she was asked to a meeting with Mr Fanning and Ms Anne Harris, the deputy editor, shortly after Terry Keane left and it was suggested Ms Allen would replace her. She was not impressed with the idea that as crime correspondent she would be a substitute for the Keane Edge which was a gossip column. She ultimately declined and the hostility increased.
She then received a letter from Mr Willie Kealy in August/September 1999 addressed to all staff. The letter stated that all staff were to work in the offices from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. She considered this resiled from her agreement that she be given latitude. In January 2000 Ms Allen claimed holidays, including bank holidays, as she wanted time off to write a book. She raised the matter again in March and Mr Kealy asked her to put it in writing. She then received a letter from Mr Kealy claiming she was hoarding days and he would enforce the rules of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The managing editor, Mr Michael Roche, then stopped the practice of her claiming for unvouched expenses. At this time her salary was £40,000. In evidence, Ms Allen said when the practice was stopped, Mr Roche agreed to pay her £47,000 and she received a bonus of £10,000.
In September 2000 she took medical advice because of severe stress and anxiety. She was sent to Donegal to do a story and received a call from Mr Kealy who said he had received a secret document about the O Buachalla affair and would she return. Mr Brady said Ms Allen returned to discover the story has been given to a new member of staff, Mr Jerome Reilly. Ms Allen, on medical advice, resigned on Sep tember 20th.
Mr Connaughton said there were specific allegations against Mr Kealy and Mr Corcoran. "In each and every respect those allegations are rejected."
Regarding working hours, it would be their evidence that Mr Kealy and Mr Corcoran, supported by Mr Roche, simply required some structure to be put on the working week.