Landlord locks himself in lodging

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DUBLIN, Ireland, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Ireland's High Court ordered the landlord of a Dublin hotel -- who has barricaded himself into the facility -- to vacate the premises.

Derek Byrne, the operator of the Leeson Bridge Guesthouse, said he went to the High Court for help after landlord Desmond Killoran took up residence in the hotel Jan. 2 and barricaded himself inside by nailing the doors shut, the Irish Independent reported Tuesday.

Allied Irish Banks appointed a receiver in December to oversee Killoran's interest in the property and directed Byrne to pay any rent due to the receiver, rather than to Killoran, the newspaper said.

Byrne said Killoran accused him in December of violating the terms of a 2010 lease agreement and ordered him to vacate the premises. He said Killoran offered no explanation for the accusation.

Byrne said he believes Killoran is trying to prevent the bank from collecting rent.

Justice Colm Mac-Eochaidh granted Byrne a temporary injunction, to take effect this month, ordering Killoran to vacate the guesthouse.

Killoran did not respond when the Irish Independent called the guesthouse.