A High Court action for damages by a Dublin sports shop
owner against the Church of Scientology has ended after out of court talks.
The
case taken by Mary Johnston was expected to last until May. However, Mr Justice
Peart was told at lunchtime today that the case appeared to be settled.
No
details of the settlement were disclosed but costs in the action are estimated
to be around 2 million.
Mary
Johnston joined the Church of Scientology in 1992.
In her
legal proceedings against the Church and three members of the Dublin Mission,
she claimed she suffered a personality charge after being sucked into the grasp
of the church and subjected to mind control techniques.
She
claimed efforts were made to prevent her leaving the church and to silence,
devalue and intimidate her and prevent her taking her legal proceedings.
She
claimed she suffered psychological and psychiatric injuries.
Ms
Johnson's legal action against the Church of Scientology and three of its
members - John Keane, Tom Cunningham and Gerard Ryan - began three and a half
months ago.
The
court heard 31 days of evidence and submissions before today's surprise
settlement.