Cranberries singer and her husband sued by ex-nanny

A woman who worked as a childminder for the Cranberries singer Dolores O'Riordan-Burton and her husband, Donald Burton, has brought High Court proceedings against the couple.

Ms Joy Fahy, who previously also worked as a childminder for U2 drummer Larry Mullen, is suing the Burtons, who live at Riverfield Stud, Kilmallock, Co Limerick, claiming breach of contract and false imprisonment arising from her employment with the couple as childminder for their son from June 1999.

Ms Fahy said she had worked with the couple previously in 1997 but left because problems arose. She later agreed to return to work for them in June 1999 after being offered the "sun, moon and stars" by Mr Burton.

However, she claims, problems arose from the start of her employment in June 1999, including problems while the couple were touring Canada and the US. She claims she barricaded herself in a bedroom on one occasion because of Mr Burton's aggressive behaviour, and further alleges he was perpetually drunk in the afternoons and evenings.

Ms Fahy (34) of Moyleggan, Batterstown, Co Meath, is seeking an order that personal belongings including designer clothing such as Dolce & Gabbana jackets, which she alleges have been retained by the Burtons, be returned to her. She is also looking for payment of IR£10,000 (€12,700), which she says was agreed in the event of termination of her verbal contract, and an order requiring the Burtons to provide her with a Cherokee jeep and a deposit for an apartment.

Mr Bill Shipsey SC, for the defendants, said they were vehemently disputing the alleged terms of the contract under which Ms Fahy was employed. They would be contending that Ms Fahy had let the defendants down and "walked out" on them.

Ms Fahy alleges she was to be paid IR£500 (€635) weekly plus IR£40 (€50) per day in expenses when she was travelling with the Burtons. She also claims she was to be provided with a new Cherokee jeep, facilities for her horse at the couple's stud and accommodation near their home.

Mr Richard Keane SC, for Ms Fahy, told the High Court there was no criticism of the O'Riordan family, and Ms Fahy had received great support from Ms Eileen O'Riordan, the singer's mother.