Ex-council boss to face trial over record concealment allegations

Anne Donaghy, once a top local government figure, is accused of hiding or erasing public records

Anne Donaghy, the former chief executive of Mid and East Antrim Council, is set to face criminal prosecution over allegations that she concealed or attempted to erase official records during her time in public office.

Her solicitor, Kevin Winters of KRW Law, confirmed on Friday that Donaghy had received formal notification of three charges under the Freedom of Information Act and related legislation. The charges include allegedly concealing records, aiding and abetting another person to conceal records, and attempting to erase or conceal records.

Donaghy, 55, has denied all wrongdoing and plans to “vehemently contest” the charges. She served as chief executive from 2015, following the local government reorganisation in Northern Ireland, until her suspension in December 2021. She resigned in early 2023, citing health reasons.

Mr Winters described the charges as “three technical offences” and emphasised that the same allegations had already been part of a prolonged complaint to the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland.

He added: “Our client denies any wrongdoing during her time in office and will vehemently contest these charges.”

Donaghy is currently involved in separate legal proceedings against her former employer. According to Winters, she has an “outstanding High Court legal action against the council alleging discrimination,” as well as “extant tribunal disciplinary proceedings.”

A mother-of-two and a recipient of the OBE in 2020 for services to local government, Donaghy said she has been bolstered by support from colleagues and members of the community.

“She wants to put on record her sincere thanks for all the support she has received from former colleagues in council and beyond in the wider community,” said Winters. “Our client takes a lot of strength from this and knows it will serve her well going forward.”

The charges centre on alleged misconduct involving official documentation, potentially raising questions about transparency and accountability during Donaghy’s tenure as chief executive.

She had previously drawn public attention after her sudden suspension from office in late 2021. While specific reasons for her suspension were never disclosed publicly, it is understood that internal and external inquiries were launched into aspects of her leadership and conduct.

Her eventual resignation came more than a year after the suspension, with health reasons cited as the basis for her departure.

In a statement through her solicitor, Donaghy underscored her commitment to clearing her name, stressing that her career in public service had been marked by integrity and dedication. Winters reinforced this, saying, “She is an individual with an impeccable record and service working for the council.”

Details about the timing and venue of the upcoming proceedings have not yet been confirmed, but the announcement of charges marks a significant development in a saga that has lingered over local government circles in Northern Ireland for more than three years.

As the legal process now unfolds, Donaghy’s case is expected to draw close attention both for its implications on governance in public bodies and for the potential legal precedents it might set regarding accountability in handling official records.