A former childminder employed by Cranberries singer Mrs Dolores O'Riordan-Burton and her husband Mr Donald Burton has taken a High Court action against the couple alleging breach of contract and false imprisonment.
Among the claims made by Ms Joy Fahy (34) of Moyleggan, Batterstown, Co Meath, is an allegation that, while in the US with the couple, her passport was taken from her by Mr Burton.
She also claimed that she had barricaded herself into a bedroom because of Mr Burton's aggressive behaviour.
She further claimed Mr Burton was persistently drunk in the afternoons and evenings. She also alleged he had taken the couple's baby out on a jet ski without a lifejacket.
Mr Bill Shipsey SC, for the defendants, said they vehemently disputed the alleged terms of the contract under which Ms Fahy was employed. They would be contending Ms Fahy had decided to leave her employment and had let the defendant's down.
It would be the defence case that Ms Fahy "walked out".
In her proceedings against the couple, who reside at Riverfield Stud, Kilmallock,Co. Limerick, Ms Fahy, who also worked as a childminder for U2's Larry Mullen, is seeking an order that personal belongings including designer clothing, which she alleges have been detained by the Burtons, be returned to her.
She is also looking for €10,000 and an order requiring the Burtons to provide her with a Cherokee jeep and a deposit for an apartment.