Businessman faces further spell in prison for alleged contempt

A High Court judge has directed that a Monaghan businessman be arrested and brought before the court over allegations he has breached orders restraining him from two properties in the county town. Mr Justice Senan Allen ruled that Fergal Deery of Drumhillock should be taken into custody by gardaí to answer alleged contempt of court. Wardglade Limited, which acquired the premises in 2015 following a receiver's sale, claimed Mr Deery breached High Court orders made that year prohibiting him from trespassing or interfering with the properties. The company alleged further breaches occurred in September and December 2019, when Mr Deery allegedly entered the properties without consent. Wardglade also claimed a campaign of intimidation against its director Ciaran Marron and others, including threats made on social media referencing Mr Marron's family. Mr Deery, who disputes the 2015 sale as fraudulent, was previously imprisoned for two weeks in July 2019 for contempt but was released after undertaking to comply with the orders.