Publican released after 115 days in Mountjoy

The High Court has ordered the release of a Co Monaghan businessman from Mountjoy Prison after he completed 115 days in custody for contempt of court. Mr Justice Senan Allen ruled that the continued imprisonment of Fergal Deery was no longer necessary to vindicate the court's authority, though he characterised the defendant as "very stubborn" for refusing to purge his contempt during incarceration. Mr Deery had been jailed in December 2020 for breaching orders made in 2015 restraining him from trespassing on two properties in Monaghan Town, a bar and nightclub formerly controlled by his family. Wardglade Limited, which acquired the premises from a receiver, brought the fresh proceedings alleging multiple breaches and a campaign of intimidation against company associates. The judge found evidence that Mr Deery had entered the properties in December 2019 with others. Mr Justice Allen stated that if Mr Deery maintained distance from the premises and ceased interference with Wardglade's directors, his imprisonment was unnecessary. The court awarded Wardglade its legal costs against the defendant.