Two Individuals Named in High Court Case Over Alleged Surveillance of HR Firm Employee

Two people allegedly involved in following and harassing a man at the center of a dispute between two HR firms have been added as defendants in a High Court case. Mark Murran and Cliona Woods were named as defendants in the case related to surveillance of Keith O’Brien, a former payroll manager with Rippling. The defendants deny allegations of intimidation and harassment, stating the surveillance was discreet.

The court considered changing the defendants from 'persons unknown' to named defendants and whether another HR firm, Deel Inc, should be joined to the case. The defendants agreed not to surveil O’Brien during the proceedings. There is a dispute over whether the surveillance constituted harassment.

Despite objections, the court considered joining Deel due to concerns about interference with justice. The judge will decide whether to allow submissions on this issue at the end of the week. Injunctions were continued to restrain surveillance of O’Brien and preserve evidence for the case.