02/10/2002
Battle over family heirlooms returns to court
A bitterly divided patrician family, which has spent hundreds of thousands of pounds warring over the fate of £250,000 of family heirlooms, were back in court in Belfast today after failing to reach a last-minute accommodation.
The legal action against Marion Scarlett Needham Russell, brought by her sister Mrs Debonair Norah Needham Horsman, and her brother Philip James Anley – all descendants of the Earl of Kilmorey – stems from Mrs Russell's refusal to return £250,000 worth of antiques she took from the family's ancestral home at Mourne Park.
The Co Down heiress has argued that she claimed possession of the antiques - which are valued at one-third of the total value of the assets of the house – as her part of an inheritance.
Mrs Horsman and Mr Anley want to see the cache returned so that an agreed list over ownership can be drawn up.
Yesterday, Mr Justice Girvan ordered both parties to retire to agree on the lists of heirlooms. However, Justice Girvan said that if the matter is not resolved, "it will be started and I will not entertain an application for a further adjournment from anybody".
The case continued today after both parties failed to find agreement, and Mrs Russell seemed to close the door on a rapprochement by restating her desire to keep the cache of antiques.
Mrs Russell's steadfastness in her position saw her sentenced to 14 days in prison on September 23 for contempt of court after she refused to comply with a court order that she return the heirlooms.
The case continues at Belfast High Court.
(GMcG)
The legal action against Marion Scarlett Needham Russell, brought by her sister Mrs Debonair Norah Needham Horsman, and her brother Philip James Anley – all descendants of the Earl of Kilmorey – stems from Mrs Russell's refusal to return £250,000 worth of antiques she took from the family's ancestral home at Mourne Park.
The Co Down heiress has argued that she claimed possession of the antiques - which are valued at one-third of the total value of the assets of the house – as her part of an inheritance.
Mrs Horsman and Mr Anley want to see the cache returned so that an agreed list over ownership can be drawn up.
Yesterday, Mr Justice Girvan ordered both parties to retire to agree on the lists of heirlooms. However, Justice Girvan said that if the matter is not resolved, "it will be started and I will not entertain an application for a further adjournment from anybody".
The case continued today after both parties failed to find agreement, and Mrs Russell seemed to close the door on a rapprochement by restating her desire to keep the cache of antiques.
Mrs Russell's steadfastness in her position saw her sentenced to 14 days in prison on September 23 for contempt of court after she refused to comply with a court order that she return the heirlooms.
The case continues at Belfast High Court.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 September 2002
Family dispute sees Co Down heiress sent to jail
The Co Down heiress who refused to comply with a court order to return £250,000 worth of antiques to her family is today starting the second day of a 14-day prison sentence.
Family dispute sees Co Down heiress sent to jail
The Co Down heiress who refused to comply with a court order to return £250,000 worth of antiques to her family is today starting the second day of a 14-day prison sentence.
22 October 2009
Former North West Mayor Dies
Tributes have been paid to a former Coleraine mayor who passed away yesterday. Councillor Liz Johnston (pictured) was described as an "extraordinary woman". Mrs Johnson had served on the council as an Ulster Unionist member for 16 years.
Former North West Mayor Dies
Tributes have been paid to a former Coleraine mayor who passed away yesterday. Councillor Liz Johnston (pictured) was described as an "extraordinary woman". Mrs Johnson had served on the council as an Ulster Unionist member for 16 years.
28 May 2002
Reid pressed on dismissal of two Scots Guards
The mother of a teenager who was shot dead by two soldiers is to ask the Secretary of State to intervene in the campaign to have them dismissed from the British Army. Peter McBride, 18, a father-of-two, was shot in the back as he ran away from a military patrol in north Belfast.
Reid pressed on dismissal of two Scots Guards
The mother of a teenager who was shot dead by two soldiers is to ask the Secretary of State to intervene in the campaign to have them dismissed from the British Army. Peter McBride, 18, a father-of-two, was shot in the back as he ran away from a military patrol in north Belfast.
12 January 2016
Woman Charged With Attempted Murder After Man Stabbed In Co Down
A 36-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder after a man was stabbed in Co Down. The 54-year-old victim was stabbed in the Manor Court area in Moira on Monday. He is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital. The woman is to appear at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Woman Charged With Attempted Murder After Man Stabbed In Co Down
A 36-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder after a man was stabbed in Co Down. The 54-year-old victim was stabbed in the Manor Court area in Moira on Monday. He is currently in a serious but stable condition in hospital. The woman is to appear at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
09 June 2008
£10m To Lord It Up In County Down
House buyers in Northern Ireland have been offered the opportunity to Lord it up, after the announcement that one of County Down's grandest homes is up for sale. However, if you wish to bid on Mourne Park House, in Kilkeel, you may need an aristocratic bank balance, to match your noble tastes.
£10m To Lord It Up In County Down
House buyers in Northern Ireland have been offered the opportunity to Lord it up, after the announcement that one of County Down's grandest homes is up for sale. However, if you wish to bid on Mourne Park House, in Kilkeel, you may need an aristocratic bank balance, to match your noble tastes.