Man jailed for contempt removed from Four Courts by ambulance after collapse

A Roscommon landowner was committed to prison for contempt of court at the High Court in Dublin and subsequently removed by ambulance after collapsing in the courtroom. Mr Justice Brian McGovern jailed Eugene Costello of Coolfree, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe after a receiver appointed to the property reported that cattle remained on ninety acres of farmland despite Mr Costello's previous undertakings to remove them. The lands were subject to a possession order secured by Carlisle Mortgages Ltd following Mr Costello's default on loans advanced in 2004. The receiver's agents observed fourteen cattle on the property on 1 July, contradicting Mr Costello's undertaking given that date to vacate the livestock. Mr Costello, appearing in person, denied the animals were present on the lands. The judge stated that court orders must be obeyed and committed Mr Costello to prison pending vacant possession and purging of contempt. The matter was adjourned.