Courts / Kildare / Report

Farmer claims his detention for contempt is unlawful

Date
2015-03-26

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Kildare

County
Kildare

Summary

Paul O'Shea, a farmer from Castledermott, Co. Kildare, was committed to Mountjoy Prison in January 2015 after a High Court finding that he had breached orders not to interfere with the work of receiver Mr George Maloney, who was appointed by Dankse Bank to sell O'Shea's 31‑hectare fields that were secured against a mortgage. O'Shea's detention has been challenged by Land League activist Jerry Beades, who argued that the warrant under which he is held is defective and that he was not informed of the reasons for his arrest. The State, represented by Tony McGillicuddy Bl, opposed the application, asserting the warrant was valid. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan adjourned the Article 40 proceedings to clarify procedural matters, noting that documentation was being presented piecemeal. The case remains pending, with the court scheduled to resume on Friday. The High Court had earlier ruled that O'Shea was in contempt of court and ordered his committal until he purged his contempt.