High Court Intervention Over Filming Outside Pepper Finance Staff Homes
In a carefully watched development at the High Court, Dublin city councillor Gavin Pepper, an Independent representing the Ballymun/Finglas area, undertook before the court not to attend or film outside the homes of staff employed by Pepper Finance Corporation, a credit-servicing and asset-management firm. The case centers on concerns about privacy and protection for Pepper Finance employees, including their families.
The proceedings began after Pepper, who has been active on social media, faced allegations related to filming outside the west Dublin home of Pepper Finance’s managing director, Ian Wigglesworth. Pepper argues that much of what appeared in an opposing affidavit was untrue and informed the court that he had written to Pepper Finance’s lawyers offering undertakings to resolve the matter amicably.
Undertakings and Court Discussions
On the latest hearing day, Pepper Finance, represented by Daniel Conroy SC, requested an order prohibiting Pepper from filming any staff or visiting staff homes. Mr Pepper, who also works as a taxi driver, expressed concerns about inadvertently breaching a potential order when transporting passengers who might be Pepper Finance staff. Counsels clarified that Pepper would consent to allowing the occasional drop-off of such passengers, but the question remained how to frame the restriction to avoid unintended breaches.
Mr Justice Brian Cregan noted that the restriction could be refined by inserting the clause “otherwise than in the course of his employment,” a move aimed at preventing ordinary taxi activities from being misinterpreted as unapproved filming. The judge also examined the broad wording about “servants or agents,” recognizing that Pepper Finance would not be prejudiced by removing those terms given Pepper Pepper’s status as a self-employed taxi driver with no employees at his disposal.
Judicial Ruling and Next Steps
The judge indicated that the defendants could proceed with an order that excludes Pepper from filming Pepper Finance staff or their homes while clarifying the scope to avoid future loopholes. Mr Conroy advised that Pepper Finance would welcome an order with the proposed changes and would lodge it with the court. The court also considered the issue of costs; Pepper disputes cost-related applications and the matter is pending further discussion.
Earlier in the proceedings, Pepper denied allegations that he had filmed outside Ian Wigglesworth’s home for social media purposes. In July, Pepper Finance and Mr Wigglesworth were granted an interim injunction preventing Pepper from attending Wigglesworth’s home or filming and from publishing home addresses of Pepper Finance employees. After several adjournments, Pepper agreed to undertake undertakings to comply with Pepper Finance’s injunctions.
What This Means for Pepper Finance and Local Governance
The case underscores tensions between public figures, private company staff, and the evolving standards for digital oversight in Ireland. Pepper’s willingness to adjust his conduct in response to the court’s framing signals a broader push toward balanced privacy protections while maintaining open dialogue in the public sphere. The resolution could set a precedent for how similar cases are approached when social media activity intersects with the private lives of company staff and their families.
As the High Court awaits a formal order reflecting the agreed modifications, both sides have signaled a preference for resolution through precise legal language rather than extended courtroom disputes. The outcome will likely influence how city councillors and other public figures manage their use of filming and online content in relation to private individuals connected to businesses in Dublin and beyond.
Public Interest and Accountability
Observers note that the incident raises questions about accountability, transparency, and the boundaries of public discourse. While elected representatives may scrutinize corporate actors, the case suggests that privacy protections remain a critical counterbalance in a digital age where content can rapidly reach broad audiences.
