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Trinity manager claims he was unfairly sacked from €120k-a year job after bosses heard of sex assault
Summary
A former senior manager at Trinity College Dublin, Brendan Leahy, claims he was unfairly dismissed from his €120,000-a-year post after the university learned that he had pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting an American tourist in 2018. The Workplace Relations Commission is hearing his complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. Leahy was given a suspended three‑month sentence by Dublin District Court, required to complete a sex offenders course and pay a fine and compensation. He appealed to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and received the benefit of the Probation Act in August 2021. Trinity placed him on paid leave and launched an investigation in August 2021, following a second allegation of sexual harassment from a former employee, Ms X, who accused him of miming oral sex at a karaoke party. Leahy argues the investigations were procedurally flawed and pre‑determined, citing the Probation Act order as a basis for dismissal of his conviction.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Trinity manager claims he was unfairly sacked from €120k-a year job after bosses heard of sex assault. Charges or matters: sexually assaulting an American tourist. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 2021 Other
- August 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- 14 December 2017 Other
- April 14th Other
- Christmas Other
- 2023-01-20 Publication
Why: "It was his position that because his conviction 'no longer existed' there was nothing for me to look into… He told me 'That's gone. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: sexually assaulting an American tourist (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Leahy, with an address at Fenian Street, Dublin 2, was given a suspended three-month sentence by Dublin District Court on condition that he complete a sex offenders course and to pay a fine and a further sum in compensation.; I say it is entirely appropriate and reasonable for Trinity College to say it has no trust and confidence in Mr Leahy now." Adjudicating officer David James Murphy adjourned the hearing overnight.
Places mentioned
- South Anne Street
- Fenian Street
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin District Court
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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