Trust chief gives undertaking not to trespass on Kildare lands

The controversial head of Rodolphus Allen Private Family Trust, Charlie Allen, has been released from custody after he gave an undertaking not to interfere with, or trespass on, lands in Co Kildare.

Last September, the High Court ordered Mr Allen be arrested and brought before it to answer claims he was in contempt of court orders not to trespass or interfere with 120 acres of land at Kennycourt Stud, near Naas.

Receivers appointed over the lands allege that in late August Mr Allen was part of a mob that forced the receiver’s agents off the lands and illegally occupied the stud farm, owned by Eugene McDermott.

The receivers, Mark Reynolds and Glenn Crann, were put off the property for several weeks before retaking possession in late September. As a result, they brought proceedings alleging contempt against Mr Allen, political activist Ben Gilroy, and Mr McDermott.

On foot of the warrant, Mr Allen was arrested by the grdaí in Cork on Monday and was brought before Mr Justice Sean Ryan at the High Court yesterday afternoon.

During the brief hearing, the judge said he was prepared to release Mr Allen from custody if he was prepared to give an undertaking not to trespass or interfere with the lands. In reply, Mr Allen said he was prepared to give the undertakings.

Counsel for the receivers, Rory Mulcahy, said Mr Allen had claimed to be the owner of the property through an entity known as the Rodolphus Allen Private Family Trust. Any claim the lands were owned by a purported trust was “not a proper proposition”, counsel said.

Mr Allen, with an address at Inistioge, Co Kilkenny, expressed concerns about the case going ahead. Mr Justice Ryan said he had concerns about Mr Allen being in custody and not having time to consult with his lawyers. He adjourned the matter to Jan 21, when proceedings against Mr Gilroy, who denies being in contempt of court, are due to be heard.