My Court Case
Introduction
Hello Everyone,
My name is Tom Roche.
In Irish legal jargon I am what’s known as a ‘lay litigant’. What is a lay litigant you might ask? A lay litigant is a person who has decided not to use the services of a solicitor (attorney) or a barrister to represent them in court.
There are several reasons people decide against using legal professionals to fight their legal battles. In my case, there are three reasons for not using a solicitor:
- Cost – I can’t afford a solicitor,
- Trust – I don’t believe solicitors and barristers in Ireland have my best interest at heart when it comes to home repossession cases and
- Expertise – I believe that solicitors and barristers lack the essential knowledge and experience to fight for people like me in home repossession cases.
In essence, a lay litigant is an individual navigating the legal system without the benefit of formal legal representation.
However, there is an ever-increasing body of help and support available to lay litigants and that’s what this page on this website is all about.
So, what are the key aspects of lay litigants:
- Self-representation:
Lay litigants choose to represent themselves in court, rather than hiring a solicitor or barrister.
- Challenges:
Lay litigants may struggle with understanding legal procedures, drafting legal documents, and presenting their case effectively.
- Assistance:
Lay litigants can be assisted in court by a *McKenzie friend, who can provide support and information but cannot act as a legal representative.
- Court concerns:
Some legal professionals and judges have expressed concerns that lay litigants can cause delays and inefficiencies in the court system.
- Potential for unfairness:
The lack of legal expertise can sometimes lead to unfairness in court proceedings for both the lay litigant and the opposing party.
- Access to justice:
Lay litigants may find themselves in this position due to financial constraints or difficulty finding legal representation.
My Defence Documents
Court Decision June 16 2025
Court Decision October 6 2025
Court Decision December 1, 2025
Sent to the Judges List for hearing 25 February 2026 in Tullamore Courthouse.
The Registrar instructed the barrister representing the Vulture Fund Mars Capital Finance , to prepare a booklet of all their documents andd post same to me.
Next Court Appearance february 25, 2026
