A Co Limerick farmer taken from his home by gardai yesterday morning was later sent to Limerick Prison for refusing to obey a court order to hand over land certificates to enable his farm to be offered for sale.
It was alleged that Maurice Clery, Ballynamollough, Kilmallock, was holding a slash hook when gardai forced their way into his bedroom and that it took 15 to 20 minutes to overpower him.
Clery was ordered by the High Court in July 1993 to pay £275,000 and costs to Mr David O'Connor, a retired farmer, of Ballinlyna, Kilfinane, Co Limerick, arising out of an accident suffered by Mr O'Connor on Clery's farm. Following a failure to pay the amount, a judgment mortgage was registered against Clery's lands.
Clery failed to dispute the amount, and another order was made for the sale of his land. Following a number of court hearings, he was ordered to produce the land certificates or he would be held in contempt of court.
Last December the court made an order allowing gardai to forcibly enter Clery's residence to bring him before the court.
Yesterday he appeared in court handcuffed to a garda.
Mr Justice McCracken said he sympathised with Clery and anybody who had to leave their lands, but there was a court order which had to be obeyed.