Christmas humbug hits NI court staff 'donations'

Senior management in the NI Courts Service have banned all staff from receiving Christmas gifts, donations and hospitality.

In a circular from NI Courts Service Director, David Lavery, staff were told not to accept gifts from court users, such as solicitors and legal firms.

The move to ban the practice of receiving traditional gifts and hospitality follows on from the suspension and investigation of two top court officials following allegations that they had accepted hospitality from the head of a firm contracted to supply services to the NI Court Service.

However, the move to ban relatively small seasonal gifts has not only dismayed staff but outraged many solicitors who generously supplied an occasional token of their appreciation for the work of court service staff.

The guidance circular from Mr Lavery instructed staff that "as a general rule" gifts and hospitality are to be "politely declined".

The policy based on the Corruption Act of 1916 declares that government staff receiving "any money, gift or consideration" will be deemed by the courts to have received them "corruptly unless the officer proves otherwise".

It also states: "Gifts of alcohol or cash should not be accepted under any circumstances and should where necessary be returned to the donor with a suitably worded letter."

Solicitors have alleged that the "spirit of scrooge" has entered the NI Court Service.

(SP)