The High Court has heard the landlord of a Dublin guest-house has barricaded himself into the buildings, locking out staff and guests.

Derek Byrne, who runs the Leeson Bridge Guest House on Upper Leeson Street, has secured a temporary order directing Desmond Killoran to vacate the premises.

The court heard Mr. Byrne had to slip in a side window after a staff member on the breakfast shift called him early January 2nd to say she was locked out.

In an affidavit, the guest house owner said he found the main exits of the premises nailed shut and met the landlord Desmond Killoran in reception who told him his lease was terminated.

Court heard of no prior dispute

Mr. Byrne claims there was no prior dispute and that the rent has always been paid promptly up to the 15th of December.

He says he believes the landlord is trying to stop a receiver, appointed by AIB over the landlord's property last month, from getting rental income, currently valued at €148,000 a year.

The court heard, last Wednesday Mr. Byrne had to make immediate arrangements to remove guests and put them up in alternative accommodation in what he described as a 'hugely embarrassing and damaging' episode.

Mr. Justice Colm MacEochaidh has granted a temporary order directing the landlord to vacate the premises and restraining him from further occupation.

Mr. Killoran of Lansdowne Park, Ballsbridge, was not represented in court because the application was made on an ex-parte basis.

The case has been put back until January 21st.