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)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.