Let’s hear the case for the defence, at a time when most of the country is gunning to prosecute. The O’Donnell family at the centre of the siege of Gorse Hill are not the class of people likely to elicit sympathy in these days of austerity and want.

A bid by the adult children of solicitor Brian O’Donnell to prevent a bank-appointed receiver taking over the family home was rejected by the High Court yesterday.