An instruction by an Aldi store manager to a security guard to "keep an eye on the tinkers in Aisle Three" has cost the German retailer €7,500.

A judge yesterday approved the award to a 17-year-old traveller girl arising from the incident at the Aldi store in Ennis, Co Clare, on November 5 last.

Counsel for the girl, Patrick Quinn BL, told Ennis Circuit Court that she was in attendance at the Aldi store on Francis Street with her infant brother and another traveller adult who was with her own infant son.

Mr Quinn said that the travellers were approached by another shopper who told them they had overheard the store manager tell one of the security guards to "keep an eye on the tinkers in Aisle Three".

denied

Mr Quinn said that the store manager denied saying it and "became irate and said that was his word against theirs".

He said that the store manager departed the scene and the security guard told the travellers "whatever was said, it was him that said it, it wasn't said by me".

The statement of claim lodged on behalf of the teen states that she "suffered considerable distress, upset, hurt, humiliation and embarrassment and damage to her reputation".

Mr Quinn said that the girl is studying her Leaving Cert and hopes if grades permit to study for a third level qualification.

Judge Gerald Keys said that with all of the circumstances outlined, the teenager "would be foolish not to accept the offer" and approved the award and also awarded her legal costs.