During the recent Quarter Sessions on Monday, under the jurisdiction of Judge Adams, a case involving damages to premises came to light. The plaintiff, Wm Hayes, was seeking £50 in compensation for alleged damages inflicted by the defendant upon a property owned by the plaintiff.

The premises in question, located at No. 8 Cecil Street, had been rented by Mr P. Griffin. The plaintiff contended that the defendant had dismantled doors, shelves, and a partition that was affixed to the wall. Representing the plaintiff was Mr Kelly, while Mr Phelps represented the defendant under the instruction of Mr P. J. O’Sullivan.

Testimonies were presented, including that of Mr DeCourcey, an engineer, who assessed the damages, excluding the backroom, at £15. During the proceedings, Judge Adams humorously remarked that machinery could be relocated like a railway. He quipped, “I wish I could remove the Great Southern and Western Railway” which elicited laughter from the courtroom.

The defendant claimed to have purchased the fixtures of the tenants and had erected the partitions. He stated that the property agents had notified him of a rent increase. Judge Adams expressed skepticism regarding rising rents in Limerick. The defendant mentioned he would have accepted £20 for the fixtures.

Ultimately, Mr Mulley, a certified engineer, assessed the total damages at £334. In the end, Judge Adams granted a decree for compensation amounting to six guineas to the plaintiff, acknowledging the damages caused to the premises.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 09 January 1906