Belfast pays out to 'tomato' hit by mayor

Published November 17, 2014

Belfast's mayor was sure he could jump over the giant tomato — but his efforts bore no fruit.

Belfast City Council confirmed Friday it's paid a former employee more than 24,000 pounds ($38,000) after former Mayor Jim Rodgers tried to leap over her in front of press photographers three years ago.

The victim, Lorraine Mallon, was dressed as a tomato to promote a city food fair and was sitting on the grass. She suffered a blow to the back of her head as Rodgers ran up from behind to try to leapfrog her but slipped at the last moment.

Rodgers apologized, but Mallon suffered a slipped disc and sued for negligence. The council said Friday it agreed to pay her 24,021.75 pounds ($38,538.50) plus her legal bills.

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https://www.foxnews.com/world/belfast-pays-out-to-tomato-hit-by-mayor