Clinic granted order on priest

The High Court yesterday granted a permanent injunction restraining a US-based priest from watching or besetting the headquarters…

The High Court yesterday granted a permanent injunction restraining a US-based priest from watching or besetting the headquarters and Dublin clinic of the Irish Family Planning Association or intimidating its officers, staff and customers.

Mr Justice Kearns granted the order to Ms Carmel Stewart, for the IFPA, against Father Patrick Mahony of the US-based Christian Defence Coalition. There was no appearance on behalf of Father Mahony who, the court heard, was in the US.

The judge awarded costs of the application to the IFPA and adjourned a claim against Father Mahony for damages arising out of incidents at the association's clinic at Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin, in March 1999.

In earlier proceedings the IFPA alleged that members of Youth Defence, supported by a large number of Americans including Father Mahony, had forcibly picketed the IFPA clinic at Cathal Brugha Street in early March 1999.

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It was claimed the protesters had filmed, threatened and intimidated staff and customers at the clinic, which had to close for a time. Gardai were called to the scene.

On March 11th, 1999, the High Court granted an order restraining Youth Defence from watching or besetting the Dublin clinics of the IFPA or its headquarters. Yesterday Ms Stewart said there had been breaches of the High Court order in July 1999 but Father Mahony had returned to the US and was not involved in them.

Mr Justice Kearns said he would grant the permanent injunction against Father Mahony in default of appearance. He listed the damages issue in the next court list to set dates of hearing.