Labour Court removes €2,000 award after finding Donatas Ragelis contributed fully to dismissal

The Labour Court upheld the finding that Donatas Ragelis was unfairly dismissed but varied the decision so that no compensation was payable, removing the Adjudication Officer’s €2,000 award. The determination was dated 17 August 2023. Ragelis, a recovery truck driver, removed a cardboard box from his employer’s premises. It contained a missing vehicle bumper, which was later returned. He said he believed the box held discarded packaging and that he had permission to take boxes. His employer, N Smith & Sons Ltd T/A Ford Smiths Of Drogheda, said he knowingly took its property without permission. The Court found serious flaws in the disciplinary process, including suspending Ragelis without pay during the investigation. It also found that he contributed 100% to his dismissal, his account lacked credibility and he had not made adequate efforts to find work. It ruled that no compensation was payable.