An heiress who went to jail rather than reveal where she had hidden £250,000 sterling worth of family heirlooms has now agreed to disclose where they are, Belfast High Court heard today.
Ms Marion Russell (33), a great grand-daughter of the Earl of Kilmorey, spent a week in prison in September for contempt of court after she defied an order to reveal the whereabouts of the heirlooms taken from the ancestral home, Mourne Park House, Kilkeel.
Her lawyer said in Belfast High Court that his client has agreed "to an inspection of the chattels we hold on a reciprocal agreement basis".
Ms Russell, who lives in converted stables on the 800-acre Kilmorey estate, is involved in a long-running dispute with her mother, Ms Julie Ann Anley, her brother Ms Phillip Anley and sister Ms Bonnie Horsman, over the disposal of the estate and heirlooms.
Ms Russell's lawyer said the court action originated because his client wished to retain heirlooms to which she had an emotional and sentimental attachment while the other parties were happy to sell everything.
Mr Justice Girvan adjourned the hearing until February 5th and said in the meantime he would draw up an order setting out the steps the parties would have to take to resolve differences over just what chattels were still in dispute.
"If that is not done the order will set out the consequences," the judge added.