Anti-eviction blockades promised

FIONA GARTLAND

AN ANTI-EVICTION group that prevented a county sheriff from taking possession of a home in Co Laois this week has promised to blockade similar properties around the country.

The Defend Our Homes League, supported by the Freedom From All Debt group and the Anti-Eviction Taskforce, blocked access to the home of Lee Wellstead, who had an order for possession against him obtained by Ulster Bank.

Members of the league, founded by the United Left Alliance, had congregated, with up to 45 supporters at the property on Monday after the sheriff, Paul Fetherstonhaugh, made an appointment with Mr Wellstead to take possession of his home.

Sheriff’s representative Paul Dunne attended the property with gardaí, but did not enter and, after discussions with the demonstrators, he withdrew.

The incident was filmed by the group and posted on YouTube and has received thousands of views.

Court records show that Mr Wellstead borrowed €120,000 from Ulster Bank secured on his three-bedroom home near Castletown in 2003. He fell behind with his €700 monthly repayments in June 2006. An order for possession was granted against him by the county registrar in 2009.

Mr Wellstead’s ex-partner, who had a share in the house, consented to the repossession. However, Mr Wellstead, who lives at the property with his son, took a case to the High Court challenging the order.

Following a series of court actions, the order was upheld, and Mr Justice Michael Peart refused an application from Mr Wellstead for a judicial review in November last year. The judge gave leave to the bank to take possession of the premises after January 10th this year.

Speaking yesterday, Ben Gilroy of the Defend Our Homes League questioned whether a county registrar should have the power to make a possession order.

He also said the sheriff, who in Laois is also the registrar, did not have the right to forcibly enter the property.

“We all know it’s not the homeowner’s fault; I don’t know anyone who just sat down one day and said ‘I’m not going to pay my mortgage anymore’. People need help,” he said. Mr Gilroy also said the video had hit a nerve with the public and he had been inundated with queries from homeowners in trouble.

United Left Alliance TD Joan Collins, one of the founders of the league, said the organisation was opposed to any eviction or repossession of a family home. The league was prepared to protest in a similar manner to prevent evictions at other properties anywhere in the country.

A Courts Service spokesman said Mr Fetherstonhaugh could not comment on the case.

Ulster Bank also said it could not comment.

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