Pro bono barrister secures relief for 90-year old woman

The case against a 90-year old Dublin woman, who faced a €1,500 legal bill after failing to comply with an order to move a satellite dish, has been thrown out of court.

Judge John O’Neill at Dublin District Court said he would not order Anne Rudd to pay the substantial bill due to exceptional circumstances.

Mrs Rudd’s family previously told the court they did not find out about the council enforcement order until legal proceedings under Section 154 of the Planning and Developments Acts had already begun.

Mrs Rudd was summonsed by Dublin City Council because of the “unauthorised” satellite dish fixed to the front of her home.

The case garnered international attention after the first day in court, after which the case was adjourned for three weeks to allow a payment of €1,500 towards the council’s legal fees to be made.

However, barrister Peter Maguire, instructed by Thomas Loomes and Company solicitors, offered to represent Mrs Rudd for free when the case returned to court.

Mr Maguire argued that the pensioner, who receives €230 a week, could not be expected to pay towards the council’s legal costs.

Judge O’Neill subsequently accepted his arguments that the case should be dismissed.