Courts / Limerick / Report

Manager cleared of racially abusing security guard with alleged 'monkey' comment

Summary

In a 2023 decision by the Workplace Relations Commission, a security guard's claim of racial abuse against a shopping centre manager was dismissed. The guard, Younis Sarwari, alleged that the manager told him, "you look like a monkey," while asking him to remove his hands from his pockets. The manager, who has a 39‑year career, maintained that his words were simply a reminder of security policy and that he had never been accused of misconduct. Evidence from a fellow worker, who also heard the remark, was deemed unreliable, and CCTV footage was cited as lacking audio and clarity. The tribunal found the guard's evidence unpersuasive and concluded that no direct discrimination had been established, thereby rejecting the complaint. The decision was upheld on appeal.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Manager cleared of racially abusing security guard with alleged 'monkey' comment. Charges or matters: racial abuse. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• 26 February 2021 Incident
• May 2021 Incident
• 2023-04-21 Publication

Why: Another worker gave evidence that he was speaking to Mr Sarwari because an alarm had been going off in the Subway sandwich shop where he worked. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial

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Read the original CNI report