Sara Morrison vs Belfast Film Festival - Thread 2

[TwoLoonsAndASprout]

Continuation of previous thread - don’t have all the details to hand to add here, so if someone can pop them on, pls do! Want to get this up quickly!

From NW

New thread to bring the result of the recusal application hearing which was brought today by the claimant in Morrison v BFF at Belfast Employment tribunal. Application hearing in this thread:
https://x.com/nickwallis/status/1989321104771448916

Okay Showtime. Parties are back in court awaiting the judge and panel.

reminder this is a claimant application to ask the entire panel to recuse (step down) itself. J thanks for forbearance we have considered the application and submissions from both parties.

Fuck

Thanks Myrtle, so if I have got you right, NC's objection basically was about DB not declaring her previous associations (whether deliberately or forgetfully).

From NW

J we will deal with Prof Boyd's situation - PB is in pain and has fibromyalgia - on Wed I was aware J was PB was uncomfortable and she asked us to rise because she wanted to take medication

cough bollocks cough

From NW

... whilst we were out of the room I asked if she was okay to continue. Having got the medication and I assessed that she was okay to continue. That was the content of the conversation

I think the key thing for me is that this is an FET case. This is one of those odd NI things, where most cases go to the Industrial Tribunal, which does all your unfair dismissal, equal pay, sex and race discrimination cases etc, but the Fair Employment Tribunal is specifically discrimination on grounds of religious belief and/or political opinion.

I'd be hypersensitive about any appearance of bias in an FET case. In fact if I were on the panel I'd try to have no opinions at all.

Usually in the north it's a tribal thing, but not always. It's interesting to see this case going the FET route - I can't remember the FET having any sex/gender cases, so this might very well be the first, and in that case it's no wonder if the judge is up to high doh.

Yeah right

I don't think they will recuse.

I hush my mouth, PB has recused herself.

From NW

Nonetheless PB has decided to voluntarily recuse herself to manage her pain, not have to do a long commute and assuage any concerns.

Hahahahahahahahahahaha

Where’s that “Sure, Jan” gif when you need it?

Yeah right.

Convenient

From NW

J that comes to the app for me and Mr McKeown - [J is now talking about the RRO] - I have a right as a judge to set aside any order - my role is to ensure a fair hearing for both parties. On reflection on Monday evening I was reflecting on the RRO and thought an anonymity order

.

Chinny reckon.

All I can find is this…

Someone posted this chin image on TwiX

From NW

would be more appropriate. The language of the anonymity order was made verbally using the same language as the RRO.
Lastly you say that the way I was asking questions imparts bias. We must stick to the list of issues, I have not not allowed any questions. If I ask as to a q's relevancy are about the relevant to the issues. Accordingly the recusal application to me and McKeown is denied. The case will continue with me and Mr McKeown. Now - do you want another panel member or are you happy for me to continue with the two of us.

Judge must be fuming right now

Is this the worst possible outcome?

Pain caused by FM would explain the wince/making a face, and the need to move around and take painkillers - I know this for a fact😒
But to then recuse yourself because of it.... I've been very devils advocate-ish about DB, but this seems to be a very convenient way out for her and the judge.

From NW

If you want a new panel member comes in we will have find someone which we should be able to this weekend and get them up to speed. They will need to read the papers and listen to the recordings - there is a recording of this tribunal. It may be they can do this on Monday and we can...

They are on notice that they won’t get away with stuff, I suppose.