Courts / Meath / Report

Judge warns Ben Gilroy not to attempt arrest of mortgager's employees

Date
2019-11-01
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Trim
County
Meath

Summary

A High Court judge warned activist Ben Gilroy that he could face imprisonment if he attempts to arrest employees or agents of Start Mortgages DAC. Justice Leonie Reynolds told Gilroy that such actions could lead to charges of assault and false imprisonment, and that he had been ordered not to arrest, restrain or assault any of Start's officers, agents, lawyers or employees. The judge also cautioned that Gilroy's videos, which he posted on social media and claimed to give legal advice, could mislead viewers. Gilroy, who represented himself, said he intended to appeal the ruling and that he believed he had the right to arrest those he thought had committed fraud. He also objected to the removal of his posts, citing freedom of speech. The court reiterated that any attempt to arrest people associated with Start could result in criminal charges and that Gilroy should report alleged fraud to the Gardaí, not act on his own.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge warns Ben Gilroy not to attempt arrest of mortgager's employees. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Why: The judge said this was because Mr Gilroy was purporting to give legal advice on the video which he is not entitled to do, and the court was concerned that "naive" viewers could be misled. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed accused

Appellant

Outcome: Those proceedings, which relate to an alleged default on repayments on a loan for €310,000 which Start claims it advanced to Mr Gilroy and his wife in 2006, stands adjourned before Trim Circuit Court.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
  • Trim
  • Trim Circuit Court

Topics

Fraud Stage Appeal Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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