Publican remanded to prison faces punitive sentence for contempt

A Monaghan businessman has been remanded in custody to Mountjoy Prison by the High Court following his arrest by gardaí on allegations of repeatedly breaching court orders relating to two properties in Monaghan Town. Fergal Deery of Drumhillock was brought before Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds on Wednesday evening and is accused of trespassing on and interfering with premises formerly used as a bar and nightclub, contrary to High Court orders issued in 2015. The application was brought by Wardglade Limited, which acquired the properties from a receiver in 2015. The company alleges Mr Deery breached the orders on multiple occasions in 2019 and engaged in a campaign of intimidation against associated parties. Mr Deery, who appeared unrepresented, indicated his wish to purge his contempt. Ms Justice Reynolds remanded him in custody and ordered the matter returnable before Mr Justice Senan Allen on Thursday, noting that a punitive sentence for contempt may be imposed given Mr Deery's previous breaches and prior incarceration in 2018 for similar violations.