Menu
02/07/2012
Injured Policeman's 'Off Duty' Compensation Refusal Condemned
Northern Ireland's chief constable has backed a police officer's injury compensation claim following calls for legislation changes.
Peadar Heffron, a Catholic PSNI officer, was badly injured in January 2010 when dissident republican put a bomb under his car.
But although he lost a leg in the attack and has had to use a wheelchair since, he has been denied compensation because he was not on duty at the time.
Chief Constable Matt Baggott has weighed in to support the position that police officers should be considered on duty while commuting.
Constable Heffron, an Irish language speaker and former GAA player, was unsuccessful in his claim from the Industrial Injuries Tribunal.
He is understood to be making an appeal to the social security commissioner.
The tribunal hears cases where officers are unable to return to full time work after their injury.
Police Federation chairman Terry Spence told The Detail news investigation site that officers had always been denied compensation if an injury occurred while they were not at work.
He said: "The fact that he was driving to work at the time he was seriously injured in that bomb explosion clearly demonstrates that he was injured on duty and falls within the regulations of injury on duty as far as the PSNI is concerned."
The Northern Ireland Policing Board is set to discuss the case at its monthly meeting with the Chief Constable this Friday.
Board chair Brian Rea said members were "concerned" about the implications of Constable Heffron being denied compensation.
(NE/GK)
Peadar Heffron, a Catholic PSNI officer, was badly injured in January 2010 when dissident republican put a bomb under his car.
But although he lost a leg in the attack and has had to use a wheelchair since, he has been denied compensation because he was not on duty at the time.
Chief Constable Matt Baggott has weighed in to support the position that police officers should be considered on duty while commuting.
Constable Heffron, an Irish language speaker and former GAA player, was unsuccessful in his claim from the Industrial Injuries Tribunal.
He is understood to be making an appeal to the social security commissioner.
The tribunal hears cases where officers are unable to return to full time work after their injury.
Police Federation chairman Terry Spence told The Detail news investigation site that officers had always been denied compensation if an injury occurred while they were not at work.
He said: "The fact that he was driving to work at the time he was seriously injured in that bomb explosion clearly demonstrates that he was injured on duty and falls within the regulations of injury on duty as far as the PSNI is concerned."
The Northern Ireland Policing Board is set to discuss the case at its monthly meeting with the Chief Constable this Friday.
Board chair Brian Rea said members were "concerned" about the implications of Constable Heffron being denied compensation.
(NE/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
22 February 2018
Woman And Son Escape Injury After Shooting Attack In Co Armagh
A woman and her son have escaped injury following a shooting attack in Co Armagh. Shots were fired at a property in the Cloghoge Road area of Cullyhanna on Wednesday, 21 February. Windows were broken in the living room, kitchen and sitting room areas. The woman and child were inside the property at the time of the attack.
Woman And Son Escape Injury After Shooting Attack In Co Armagh
A woman and her son have escaped injury following a shooting attack in Co Armagh. Shots were fired at a property in the Cloghoge Road area of Cullyhanna on Wednesday, 21 February. Windows were broken in the living room, kitchen and sitting room areas. The woman and child were inside the property at the time of the attack.
28 February 2017
Shots Fired At House In L'Derry
A number of people have escaped injury following a shooting attack at a house in Co L'Derry. The incident happened in the Cornshell Fields area shortly after 11pm on Monday, 27 February. No one is believed to have been injured.
Shots Fired At House In L'Derry
A number of people have escaped injury following a shooting attack at a house in Co L'Derry. The incident happened in the Cornshell Fields area shortly after 11pm on Monday, 27 February. No one is believed to have been injured.
18 May 2016
Man Escapes Injury Following Shooting Attack In Co Tyrone
A man has escaped injury following a shooting attack at a house in Co Tyrone. Two shots were fired through the living room of the property in Cookstown just before 3am on Tuesday, 17 May. Police are treating the attack as "attempted murder". The PSNI have launched an investigation and are working to establish a motive for the attack.
Man Escapes Injury Following Shooting Attack In Co Tyrone
A man has escaped injury following a shooting attack at a house in Co Tyrone. Two shots were fired through the living room of the property in Cookstown just before 3am on Tuesday, 17 May. Police are treating the attack as "attempted murder". The PSNI have launched an investigation and are working to establish a motive for the attack.
09 May 2016
Investigation Launched Following Arson Attack In Lurgan
Police have launched an investigation following an arson attack at a house in Lurgan. The blaze at a property in Castle Lane Mews was reported at around 9.10pm on Sunday, 08 May. Police believe the fire was started deliberately in the living room. No-one was in the house at the time, however significant damage was caused.
Investigation Launched Following Arson Attack In Lurgan
Police have launched an investigation following an arson attack at a house in Lurgan. The blaze at a property in Castle Lane Mews was reported at around 9.10pm on Sunday, 08 May. Police believe the fire was started deliberately in the living room. No-one was in the house at the time, however significant damage was caused.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
