Farmer in jail for refusing to vacate farm ‘is not for turning’
Danny Doherty, 40, of Rathcahill, Temleglantine was yesterday sent back to prison indefinitely by Judge Carroll Moran, at a special sitting of Limerick Circuit Court, when he refused to purge his contempt of an earlier order of the court.
Relatives of two bachelor farmers Matt and Edward Roche, both deceased, who owned the land successfully applied to the court in March 2010 to have Doherty vacate the property, which he claimed was left to him.
John Cussen, who acted for Doherty, told the court yesterday that he again in recent days advised Doherty to vacate the land.
Mr Cussen added: “I can tell the court, that in the words of Margaret Thatcher, Danny is not for turning. He is not going to purge his contempt.”
When asked by Judge Moran if he was prepared to purge his contempt, Doherty said he would not disrespect the wishes of Matt Roche.
He claimed Matt told him he could have the 40 acre farm and a dwelling on it when he died. He said he had helped run the farm and walk Mr Roche’s greyhounds down the years.
Doherty told Judge Moran: “I was there when Matt got a stroke by the fire. The time he died who did the hospital call, but me.”
When Edward Roche died in 2004, he had been predeceased by his brother Matt. There was no will. A nephew, Eamonn Roche was appointed administrator on behalf of the beneficiaries who are also relatives of the bachelors.
Proceedings were brought against Daniel Doherty to vacate the property and he lodged a counter claim, stating he was entitled to the property having done work for the bachelor brothers.
He also claimed Matt Roche had promised him and his mother that he would get the brothers’ property when they died.
Doherty lost his case and was ordered to vacate the property on March 4, 2010.
He was before the court a week ago and refused to purge his contempt and give an undertaking to vacate the property
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