Two men have been remanded in custody in Mountjoy prison over their failure to comply with High Court orders to stay away from a Co Roscommon farm, which was the scene of a controversial eviction in 2018.
Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds heard that both Michael Anthony McGann, who owns the property, and retired Garda Kevin Taylor of Dublin Road, Longford were in contempt of orders requiring them to vacate the property at Falsk, Strokestown, Co Roscommon.
Both men were arrested, Mr Taylor at his home in Longford, and Mr McGann at the property by Gardai early this morning by the Gardai before being brought to the High Court.
KBC Bank, which previously obtained an injunction granting it vacant possession of the farm, said the men had refused to comply with court orders directing them to leave the property.
Keith Rooney Bl. for KBC said Mr McGann had despite giving an undertaking to the court to vacate the property had in fact returned and made statements on social media that he would not leave the property, which he said was in "flagrant breach of court orders."
Mr Taylor, counsel said, had been present on the farm had been made aware of the court's orders to vacate it.
Mr Taylor, counsel added, was part of "a co-ordinated attempt to frustrate the orders of the court."
In reply Mr McGann said he believed that the original injunction obtained by KBC last year was based on fraud which he said he could prove.
He said he had provided the court with that evidence and alleged there was "a cover up".
He also told the judge he would not be taking legal advice on the matter, adding the undertaking had been given under duress.
Ms Justice Reynolds said the "ship had sailed" in regards to challenging the original order requiring the property to be vacated.
The Judge said Mr McGann had, after obtaining legal advice, given an undertaking last month to vacate the property.
That undertaking had been breached, which the Judge said was a very serious matter.
At the outset Mr Taylor asked the court "which did it seek" Kevin Taylor the "common man" or Kevin Taylor the "legal entity".
He added he had been "kidnapped", and taken to court.
He also asked if there was "any man in court" who could say he had done anything wrong.
He then attempted to leave the courtroom, but was prevented from doing so by the Gardai.
Ms Justice Reynolds, who criticised Mr Taylor for not wearing a facemask in court, told him that "you are all the same person".
Remanding them in custody to Mountjoy Prison the judge, who urged both men to get legal advice, said he court wanted to bring some finality to things, and would deal with the contempt proceedings, via video link, on Thursday.
