Businessman remains in jail after declining to purge contempt

A businessman from Monaghan remains in custody at Mountjoy Prison after declining to purge contempt of court. Fergal Deery has spent nearly eight weeks in prison since early December following a High Court finding that he breached orders made in March 2020. The orders, originally issued in 2015, required him to stay away from two properties in Monaghan Town formerly operated as a bar and nightclub. The properties were acquired by Wardglade Limited from a receiver in 2015. Wardglade brought fresh proceedings last year alleging multiple breaches, including unauthorised entry to the premises and a campaign of intimidation against company figures. At a High Court review on Tuesday, Mr Deery, appearing via video-link, denied breaching the orders and refused to give undertakings to comply. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds adjourned the matter to early February. Mr Deery denies the allegations and has claimed the original property sale was fraudulent.