The British High Court has confirmed, through a formal declaration, that a garage, belonging to a couple residing in Co Laois was legally their property. Within this space, they housed a multitude of exotic creatures, featuring a caiman – a species similar to an alligator, amongst others. This verdict was delivered by Justice David Nolan on Thursday in the backdrop of ongoing legal battles involving the couple, Alan O’Neill and June Finnegan, versus other parties including Drumgoan Developments Limited, Darren Martin and Noel Martin Senior.
The disputed garage, previously alleged to be the property of Drumgoan, is situated directly next to the O’Neill-Finnegan house where they have resided for 20 years, located at Crann Nua, Edenderry Road, Portarlington, Co Laois. Court involvement began last month following the acquisition of multiple orders by the couple, one of which being restraining orders preventing the defendants from interacting directly with them, due to allegations of threats and intimidation.
Over time, the garage space became home to an array of unusual pets in the couple’s care, encompassing chameleons, tarantulas, scorpions and even a female caiman, akin to a small-size alligator. Contempt of court charges were brought against Mr Martin Senior for allegedly violating the said order on two distinct occasions. He subsequently expressed his remorse to the court and pledged not to engage with the plaintiffs.
Returning the issue to court on Thursday, Mr Giblin announced that post out-of-court negotiation, both parties had mutually agreed that the court can affirm that the plaintiffs are legally sanctioned to be registered as the garage owners. It was further declared that a mistake had occurred in their registration as owners, leading to an incorrect claim over the property by Drumgoan.
Speaking on behalf of the defendants, Conor Feeney BL, acknowledged his acceptance of the declaration, assuring that the injunction had not been violated again. The judge commended both legal teams for their resolution effort of this segment of the case. He cautioned Mr Martin Senior of potential ramifications, putting the contempt proceedings on hold until a future date in June. His judgement over determining if Mr Martin Senior was indeed contemptuous and the associated consequences will follow then.
The couple’s continuing lawsuit for damages against the accused is still under consideration by the court. They allege that the defendants claimed ownership of their garage, asserting that they acquired their residence and the garage (built by Drumgoan) in 2005 by paying an additional fee. Due to an omission, they argue, the garage was not correctly transferred to them and they were oblivious to this until recent events.
The couple accused the defendants of attempting a “land grab”, demanding payments from them and their neighbours with garages on the estate. They further allege their garage was damaged by the defendants’ agents using a JCB. Mr Martin Snr is also accused of sending menacing messages, supposedly aimed at coercing his family to accept the defendant’s plan.
Moreover, the couple allege that Mr Martin Snr intimidates them with threats of reporting them to various organisations, including Tusla and the Irish Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Providing his testimony earlier this month, Mr Martin expressed regret over what he described as a misunderstanding and a legitimate error. He acknowledged that the plaintiffs had made an expensive purchase for their property and promised a resolution to the garage transfer issue.
He dismissed the plaintiffs’ allegations of participating in “a land grab” and emphasised his efforts to mediate the situation and repair any alleged damages to the O’Neill’s property.