The descendants of an Ulster earl have been urged by a judge to end a family feud before their inheritance is eaten up by legal bills.
The family of a former Earl of Kilmorey plan to auction off antique furniture, silver and paintings worth about €750,000.
It was alleged in Belfast High Court that Mrs Marion Scarlett Needham Russell, of Mourne Park, Kilkeel, had unlawfully removed a quantity of items from Mourne Park House. Mr Michael Lavery QC said that Mrs Russell had taken a legally agreed third share of her inheritance. If the items were not returned, the effect on the auction would be "catastrophic".
Mr Lavery was applying for an injunction on behalf of two other family members, Mrs Debonaire Norah Needham Horsman, Banbridge, and Mr Philip James Anley, Kilkeel.
Mr Justice Girvan described Mrs Russell's behaviour as "outrageous". He ordered her to return the items within five days and said she must not obstruct the auctioneers in preparation for the auction or the holding of it. But he added a proviso that if she wished to bring proceedings to stop or delay the auction she must do so within 14 days.