Sean Quinn pledges not to trespass on quarry land

Judge warns former billionaire that breach could result in imprisonment

Under the terms agreed Mr Quinn is prohibited from entering an area set out on a map which covers the quarry.Photographer: Dara Mac Donaill
Under the terms agreed Mr Quinn is prohibited from entering an area set out on a map which covers the quarry.Photographer: Dara Mac Donaill

Former billionaire Sean Quinn pledged on Thursday not to trespass on a quarry operated by the company he once owned.

The formal undertaking given at the High Court in Belfast ended legal action brought against him by the rebranded Mannok.

A judge warned that any future breach could result in his imprisonment.

Injunction proceedings were issued against the ex-tycoon by Mannok Aggregates Ltd.

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The firm, formerly known as Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH), was seeking an order banning him from going on to land at Doon Quarry in Co Fermanagh.

But Madam Justice McBride was informed today that a settlement has now been reached in the case.

Under the terms agreed Mr Quinn is prohibited from entering an area set out on a map which covers the quarry.

Barrister Keith Gibson, for Mannok, requested a personal acknowledgement of the undertaking being given to avoid any future uncertainty.

Confirm consent

Appearing remotely from his solicitor’s office, Mr Quinn took an oath on the Bible and was then asked to confirm his consent to staying off the land.

The judge told him: “You understand the consequences, that if you fail to abide by those undertakings that may lead to contempt (proceedings) in which the court has certain powers, including a power to imprison you?”

Mr Quinn replied: “Yes, I fully understand.”

With no order for costs in the case, Madam Justice McBride praised those involved in securing the settlement.

“I want to commend the parties for reaching a sensible solution to this problem. Very well done,” she said.

“Hopefully there will be no need for the matter to come back before the court.”

Once Ireland’s richest man, Mr Quinn lost control of his business empire after being declared bankrupt in 2012.

QIH was renamed as Mannok in September last year.