Man claiming unlawful eviction seeks to block sale of family home

A man who claims he was unlawfully evicted from his family home by his estranged father has brought a High Court action aimed at preventing the property being sold.

Colin Widger claims he was forcibly removed from his home at 17 Whitebarn Road, Churchtown, Co Dublin, after his father Thomas Widger complained to gardaí his son was trespassing on the property.

In an affidavit, Colin Widger denies trespass and said he lived at the property all his life with his mother Maeve until her death last year. He said he was the executor of the will of his mother whom he claims left her estate to himself and his two siblings. His father, who was divorced from his mother, disputes his position as executor, he added.

His father has not lived at the property for decades and was legally barred from their home in 1986, Mr Widger added. As a result of being “thrown out on the street”, Colin Widger claims he is destitute and has had to sleep on park benches, in sheds and wherever he can. He said he was at such a low point he was unable to approach anyone for help but is currently staying with friends.

Colin Widger said his father had put the house up for sale without his (Colin’s) knowledge or consent and was not entitled to do so. He also claims he is being oppressed by his father.

Earlier this week, Mr Widger, representing himself, initiating proceedings against his father Thomas Widger, Suva House, Main Street, Maynooth, Co Kildare and asked Mr Justice Paul Gilligan for orders including one preventing the sale of the Churchtown house. A member of the Garda based at Rathfarnham Garda Station, whom Colin Widger alleges was involved in his allegedly unlawful arrest and removal from the house last February, and a representative of Gunne Estate Agents, said to be handling the sale of the property, are notice parties to the proceedings.

There was no appearance by or on behalf of Thomas Widger or the notice parties when the matter was called on yesterday. After saying he had to be satisfied attempts had been made to serve the parties with notice of the proceedings, the judge adjourned the matter to today.