Sean McHugh was suspended on full pay from AIB’s Business Centre in Galway last year and is now suing the bank.

Our Courts Correspondent Francesca Comyn reports:In evidence Sean McHugh said he was given just ten minutes to clear his desk, and was told not to speak to any colleagues, many of whom were long standing friends, without the authorisation of the bank.

The court heard he was suspended from AIB in September last year after 36 years of service for alleged misconduct.

His suspension relates to an alleged conflict of interest in the sanctioning of loans to individuals who were directors of Galway United Football Club, as he was the club’s licensing officer.

However the banker from Barna, Co Galway denies any conflict of interest and says he believes the reason he was suspended was for making a bullying claim against a superior.

The 54 year old says he has taken legal action in the hope it will give courage to others to stand up to bullying. The case continues.