US man needs judge's approval to sue again

An American chiropractor, who misled a judge to believe he was a retired medical physician and who took two actions of trespass…

An American chiropractor, who misled a judge to believe he was a retired medical physician and who took two actions of trespass and breach of contract against his neighbours, has been banned from taking any further cases in the Circuit Court without receiving judicial approval.

Judge Harvey Kenny issued his ruling at the conclusion of a two-day hearing in Clifden Circuit Court yesterday into the actions taken by Mr Gerald Stephens, Thornhill Manor, Clooncormack, Hollymount, Co Mayo, against his neighbours, Mr Eugene McCartan snr and Mr Eugene McCartan jnr.

During proceedings, it was revealed that Mr Stephens, who bought 94 acres of land in Hollymount, Co Mayo, had been involved in numerous court actions with neighbours and people he had employed to build his €500,000 Mayo home.

Judge Kenny banned Mr Stephens, who acknowledged having a High Court slander case pending against the McCartans and a High Court case pending against his builder, who he was suing for €240,000, from taking any more actions in his court without his approval.

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"Most people don't like coming to court but I think, Mr Stephens, you do enjoy it. You would be better off not thinking of resolving issues through the court system but by being sensible by building up relationships with your neighbours."