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Claim that Bus Éireann driver swung punch at passenger during face mask row is rejected

Summary

In a decision published on 10 May 2023, the Workplace Relations Commission rejected Ashley Moran's claim that a Bus Éireann driver had "swung a punch" at him during a face‑mask dispute. The tribunal found the driver's evidence that he was attempting to take Moran's camera more credible than Moran's allegation of a punch. It concluded that Moran was not discriminated against, but was refused entry because he had engaged in "abusive behaviour". Moran had previously tried to board a bus without a mask in February 2022, was asked to wear one, and later presented a medical note exempting him from masks. The driver denied throwing a punch, accepted that he had tried to take Moran's phone, and said he feared Moran might have a knife. The tribunal deemed Moran's claim of threat and the alleged punch to be unsubstantiated, noting that the CCTV footage made it implausible that Moran felt threatened on the second occasion.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Claim that Bus Éireann driver swung punch at passenger during face mask row is rejected. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• March 2022 Other
• 24 February Other
• 2023-05-10 Publication

Why: The driver's evidence that he was actually trying to take the man's camera from him was considered "more credible" by the tribunal, which found the passenger was not discriminated against – but had been refused entry because he had engaged in "abusive behaviour". CNI source report

Case subjects

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report