Farmer and anti-eviction activist accused of ‘toying’ with court

A farmer, his wife and several others, including anti-eviction activist Ben Gilroy, could be jailed for alleged interference with a receiver appointed over lands in Co Kildare.

Paul O’Shea spent two weeks in jail when he was previously found in contempt of court orders restraining interference with receiver George Maloney’s attempts to sell lands owned by Mr O’Shea at Davidstown, Castledermot.

Mr O'Shea was released by a High Court judge earlier this month after giving a sworn undertaking to purge his contempt and comply with court orders. The matter was adjourned on certain conditions to progress matters.

When the matter returned before Mr Justice Paul Gilligan yesterday, lawyers for Mr Maloney said there was ongoing interference.

Loan in default

Mr Maloney was appointed in September 2012 by Danske Bank as receiver over two large fields Mr O’Shea put up as security on a 2003 loan which went into default. The bank obtained judgment for €1.29 million against Mr O’Shea in March 2013.

In an affidavit, Mr Maloney said he and his agents had been intimidated, threatened with violence and put under surveillance when on the land.

Due to the interference, the receiver said he intended to seek the attachment and committal to prison of Mr O’Shea, his wife, Emer, and several others, including Mr Gilroy, who, he said, were giving advice to those preventing him carrying out his duties.Mr Maloney said Mr O’Shea and Mr Gilroy were “toying” with the court.