Dianne Willmore, who passed from mesothelioma in 2009, won a landmark £240,000 case, holding Knowsley Borough Council liable for her asbestos exposure during school. Her case prompted legal and financial ramifications for local authorities nationwide, leading to increased awareness and changes in asbestos-related negligence proceedings.
Shane Flynn, 35, owner of a Mullingar clinic, was convicted of sexual assault after inappropriately touching a client seeking back pain relief. The investigation also revealed 18 hours of footage showing Flynn secretly filming 35 women during massages, raising further concerns about his conduct and abuse of trust within his practice.
Naveed Rana, a Dublin taxi driver, was sentenced to five and a half years for the assault of an 18-year-old woman after a night out. The court heard how Rana took advantage of the victim’s trust, driving erratically and assaulting her before being apprehended due to her quick actions in reporting the incident to Gardaí.
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Over a period of four years, a non-consultant hospital doctor prescribed medication to 244 young patients either incorrectly, or at dosages well above those appropriate for their age. Many were diagnosed with ADHD where the appropriate diagnostic process was not followed. Those affected suffered significant harm including daytime sedation, elevated blood pressure and considerable weight gain. The report highlighted very serious issues within the service around lack of supervision, unsafe practices, poor management and a generally chaotic system.
Addressing the Dail, Taoiseach Micheal Martin described the finding of the review as “very, very serious” and “unacceptable “. Mr. Martin has announced that there will be a full audit of all 72 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services nationwide.
