Overview

• The McGirr family was falsely accused by the Horse and Jockey pub of not paying a £150 bill in July 2024, due to a staff error in recording the transaction.
• The pub posted CCTV images and allegations on Facebook, which were picked up by four press outlets, causing significant reputational harm to the family.
• Belfast Crown Court approved a settlement awarding the family £75,000 in damages plus legal costs, with the pub admitting there was no basis for the accusations.
• The pub publicly apologized, acknowledging the error and attributing it to an inexperienced staff member who was subsequently dismissed.
• The case highlights the legal and financial risks of unverified social media posts and the importance of accountability in public allegations.