Employee wins dismissal case

Edward Haughey: Tribunal dismissed claims he bullied staff

A housekeeper who claimed she was driven from her job by one of Ireland's most prominent businessmen has won a claim for unfair dismissal.

Linda Heaton, 47, who worked at Corby Castle near Carlisle, made the claim against multi-millionaire Edward Haughey, 59.

An employment tribunal at Carlisle on Thursday dismissed claims that Dr Haughey, the owner of Norbrook Laboratories in Northern Ireland, had bullied and intimidated staff.

However, it agreed that an incident in which Mrs Heaton had walked out on her job had not been a resignation, as had been claimed by Dr Haughey.

Mrs Heaton was awarded a total of £7,339 in awards and compensation.

Afterwards, she said: "The past nine months have been very traumatic. I am relieved that it is all over now.

"I want to put the past behind me and move on with my life. I feel the decision justified my pursuing this case."

Linda Heaton: Won dismissal case

On Wednesday, his wife told the tribunal that the former Irish senator was a caring employer.

Mary Haughey said her husband showed concern for his staff and on more than one occasion had said they could go home early at the end of a hard day.

Dr Haughey, who is believed to be worth around £300m, divides his time between the estate in Cumbria and his main home at Ballyedmond Castle in Northern Ireland.

The dispute arose after a party last December when the Haugheys were entertaining a shooting party at Corby Castle and it was felt that Mrs Heaton was neglecting her duties.

Mrs Haughey said she did not know what was discussed between her husband and Mrs Heaton but said he had a very "hands on" role in the running of the house.

Dr Haughey owns Norbrook Laboratories

He would at times let staff go home to rest if he felt they had been working hard.

Mrs Haughey, a solicitor, said trouble arose at the gathering in December when a gold-gilded menu holder disappeared. It was thought it could have been taken by a guest.

She said she had approached Mrs Heaton to discuss matters when the housekeeper broke down, and told her that her mother had been diagnosed with cancer just days earlier.

When Mrs Haughey tried to comfort her by giving her a hug, she said she was rejected.

The gold menu holder was later found back at the Haugheys residence in Northern Ireland.