Unemployed builder tries to stop lender seizing home

AN unemployed construction worker has brought a High Court challenge aimed at stopping a mortgage provider from taking possession of what has been his family’s home for more than three centuries.

Three years ago Robert Gunn secured a mortgage of €210,000 from Start Mortgages Ltd which was secured against his family home at Lyre, Lisselton, Co Kerry.

However, after losing his job in 2008 he was unable to make repayments and fell into arrears. As a result, Start Mortgages sought to secure vacant possession of Mr Gunn’s home, and orders allowing Start to sell it on.