Michael Chris and Rose Murray’s solicitor has suggested Meath County Council want his clients to be forced to do a “walk of shame in front of the media”. 

The couple are expected to attend the High Court today after a judge accused them of contempt of court. 

The couple’s house in Faughan Hill, Bohermeen was demolished last week by Meath County Council following a 20 year battle over planning permissions. 

The Murrays were refused planning permission in 2006 but went ahead and built their five bedroom home anyway. 

After they failed to appear before Judge Richard Humphreys, earlier this month, he found them in contempt of court and warrants were issued for their arrests. 

Speaking on The Claire Byrne Show, Ms Murray said it was “barbaric what they were doing to us”. 

She added that she had fled the country and declined to answer questions about her husband’s whereabouts. 

“I don't want to be arrested at Dublin Airport,” she said. 

“For what? I'm not a criminal.”

The entrance to the Murrays' home in Meath. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie.

As the case returns to the High Court today, Newstalk’s Court Correspondent Frank Greaney said the couple’s solicitor has repeatedly asked for them to be dealt with leniency. 

“When the court sat last Thursday afternoon, at that point the Guards couldn't find them,” he recalled. 

“Before the court, their solicitor said that they were extremely frightened by all that has happened.

“The fact he said the proceedings had seemingly taken on a criminalised dimension 

“He spoke about Rose Murray in particular, saying that she was in remission from cancer. 

“She was a very anxious person and he said he said the couple had been punished enough.” 

Demolition gets underway at the Murrays' home in Meath. Picture by: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

Frank added that the solicitor was extremely critical of the behaviour of Meath County Council. 

“He suggested that the only reason Meath County Council was pursuing these matters now was so that his clients would have to do a walk of shame in front of the media,” Frank said. 

“And he said that wasn't right; he said the public opinion was on their side in relation to that.

“He called for calmness, he called for some time to reflect on everything that has happened for both sides to reflect.” 

Meath County Council has been contacted for comment.

Main image: The Murrays' former house in Bohermeen, Meath. Picture by: RollingNews.ie.