A case of harassment involving a teacher in St Davog's Primary School Belleek, and the former Curate in the parish, Fr Ben Hughes, has been settled with Brigid Gormley receiving £6,500.

The case was brought, on behalf of Ms Gormley, by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

Ms Gormley is employed as a schoolteacher at St Davog's. She alleged that an incident of harassment occurred outside the school, involving the then Chairman of the Board of Governors, Fr Ben Hughes. She further alleged she was subsequently treated less favourably than other teachers in the school by Fr Hughes, that she was treated in a hostile fashion and transferred to a different class against her wishes.

The case was settled for a sum of £6,500 to be paid by Fr Hughes. He also expressed his regret for any distress and upset caused, and agreed to attend an Equality Awareness course prior to the discharge of any further duties as Chairman of the Board of Governors.

A spokesperson for the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) confirmed Fr Hughes was no longer on the Board of Governors for St Davog's. He also explained CCMS was not involved in the case as the harassment was alleged to have taken place outside of school hours.