Court Service mulls staff verdict

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/8196054.stm

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The Northern Ireland Court Service is considering the fate of two of its senior staff on suspension since 2005.

The two have been receiving full pay totalling almost £300,000 during investigations into gifts and hospitality which have been completed.

Brian Lowry and George Keatley took a holiday with the boss of a private security firm who was seeking to renew a lucrative Court Service contract.

Mr Keatley previously denied wrongdoing and said he had paid his own way.

A police investigation did not result in any charges.

The findings of an independent investigation ordered by the Court Service have finally been delivered.

The Court Service declined to release the report under a Freedom of Information request from the BBC, saying it could prejudice disciplinary proceedings.

These proceedings could take until November to conclude.

Since their suspension in August 2005, the two employees have been paid £296,000.