Former Mid and East Antrim council CEO Anne Donaghy to be prosecuted for alleged record concealment
Former council chief executive Anne Donaghy is to be prosecuted over allegations she concealed official records, her solicitor confirmed on Friday. Donaghy, who headed Mid and East Antrim Council until her suspension in December 2021, has denied any wrongdoing and vows to contest the charges in full.
The charges stem from an alleged breach of freedom of information (FOI) legislation and other public records laws. According to her solicitor Kevin Winters, of KRW Law, Donaghy will face three counts: concealing records, aiding and abetting another person to erase or conceal a record, and attempting to erase or conceal a record.
Donaghy, 55, had led the council since 2015, following the reorganisation of Northern Ireland’s local government system. She resigned from her position in early 2023, citing health grounds, but legal proceedings against her have continued to unfold.
“Today we received notification that she will be prosecuted on three counts of allegedly concealing records,” said Winters. “Our client denies any wrongdoing during her time in office and will vehemently contest these three technical offences.”
Winters revealed that the same allegations had already been part of a long-running complaint to the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland, which had yet to result in formal sanctions. He described the charges as “technical” and stressed Donaghy’s position that she had always acted within the law.
The charges relate to the alleged erasure or concealment of council records, raising concerns over transparency and adherence to freedom of information obligations during Donaghy’s tenure. However, her defence team maintains that there was no deliberate wrongdoing or criminal intent.
Donaghy is also involved in ongoing legal disputes, including a High Court action against the council, alleging discrimination, and separate tribunal disciplinary proceedings that have yet to conclude.
“She wants to put on record her sincere thanks for the support she has received from former colleagues in council and beyond in the wider community,” Winters added.
A mother-of-two, Donaghy had a long career in public administration and was awarded an OBE in 2020 for her service. Her lawyer said she had maintained “an impeccable record” throughout her time in local government.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe developments mark a dramatic fall from grace for one of Northern Ireland’s most prominent council executives. Her leadership had drawn both praise and scrutiny, particularly in the wake of public controversies during her time at the helm of the council.
While no details have yet emerged about the specific nature of the records allegedly concealed, the prosecution will likely examine Donaghy’s role in information management and decision-making processes within the council.
The case now adds to a growing list of challenges facing Mid and East Antrim Council, which has already weathered leadership instability and legal turmoil in recent years. The council has not issued a formal public comment on the prosecution news.
Donaghy’s legal team insists she remains committed to clearing her name, and intends to fight the charges “with strength and dignity.”
A court date has not yet been set. However, given the high-profile nature of the case and its implications for public trust in local governance, proceedings are expected to attract significant attention in Northern Ireland and beyond.
