Courts / Dublin / Report

Persons 'unlawfully occupying' former music shop given till end of month to vacate

Date
2024-05-07
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Mr Justice Mark Sanfey of the High Court ruled that up to a dozen persons alleged to be unlawfully occupying a four-storey building on James Street, Dublin 8, must vacate the property by May 29. Developer Sumberry Limited, which purchased the former music shop in 2021 for €800,000, brought proceedings against the occupants, claiming they had no valid tenancies or leases and were trespassing. The plaintiff sought injunctions to restrain occupation and prevent access obstruction, citing health and safety concerns. Ms Jem Cleaver, representing herself, disputed some claims regarding the building's condition and service of documents but accepted she had no entitlement to reside there. She requested time to find alternative accommodation due to the housing crisis. The judge granted a stay on the mandatory vacate orders until May 29 to allow residents to make arrangements. Mr Stephen Bedford, a named defendant alleged to have been seen at the property, was not present in court. Ms Cleaver stated Mr Bedford did not reside at the building. The matter was adjourned and will return before the court later this month.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Persons 'unlawfully occupying' former music shop given till end of month to vacate. Charges or matters: unlawfully occupying property. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Case subjects

Stephen Bedford

Defendant

Charges: unlawfully occupying property (Alleged Or Contested)

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
Secondary Mention
Facility
  • West End House
Incident

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request