Gardai in Dublin are investigating the theft of fittings and the vandalising of a Georgian mansion which has been the subject of a well publicised legal dispute involving two elderly sisters.
An estimated £40,000 damage was caused to the house at Marino Park, Blackrock, when raiders driving vans moved on to the grounds on Saturday. They took granite steps, marble mantlepieces, cast-iron fireplaces and chimney pots, as well as causing extensive damage to the property.
Last month it was disclosed in Dublin Circuit Court that Ms Eileen Blackall (90), the sole survivor of an unsuccessful 10year legal battle to save the mansion, now estimated to be worth over £3 million, was to get £23,000 as her share of a legal settlement. She will get another estimated £20,000 from the will of her sister, Rose, who died last year, days after the house was conveyed by court order to Chessington Ltd for £400,000.
The £400,000 had been paid into court years previously by Chessington, the development company owned by Mr John McDonald, of Blackrock.
