Dublin Councillor Agrees Not to Film Staff of Pepper Finance

Dublin city councillor Gavin Pepper has reached a legal agreement with Pepper Finance Corporation not to film or attend outside the homes of the company’s employees. This decision comes after a court hearing held at the High Court in Dublin earlier this week.

During the proceedings, Mr. Pepper, an Independent councillor elected in the Ballymun/Finglas area, expressed his willingness to comply with the undertakings requested by the finance firm, despite his dissatisfaction with certain statements made in an affidavit. He stated that some of the assertions were untrue. To allow time for Pepper Finance to respond to his letter, the case was adjourned until Friday.

On the follow-up date, Brian Conroy SC, representing Pepper Finance and its managing director, Ian Wigglesworth, explained that Mr. Pepper had consented to an order prohibiting the filming of any Pepper Finance staff. However, he raised concerns about specific wording in the order, particularly due to his role as a taxi driver. He indicated that he could unintentionally breach the order while picking up or dropping off passengers who might be employees of the firm.

The court addressed these concerns, with Mr. Justice Brian Cregan suggesting the inclusion of the phrase “otherwise than in the course of his employment” to clarify the terms of the order. Additionally, Justice Cregan noted issues regarding the language stating “or his [Mr. Pepper’s] servants or agents,” which Mr. Conroy argued could lead to others circumventing the order.

In response, Mr. Pepper, who represented himself, clarified that he does not employ anyone and would not instruct others to engage in filming on his behalf. He stated, “I am a nice person,” emphasizing his intention to comply with the law. Justice Cregan concurred that the terms related to “servants or agents” should be removed, noting that Pepper Finance would not be harmed by this change.

As a self-employed taxi driver without any staff, Mr. Pepper was assured that if any unauthorized filming occurred, Pepper Finance could return to court for recourse. Mr. Conroy confirmed that an amended order would be drafted and submitted to the court for approval.

The judge also deferred the discussion regarding legal costs being sought against Mr. Pepper, who opposes these claims. In prior hearings, Mr. Pepper denied allegations that he filmed material for social media outside Mr. Wigglesworth’s residence. In July 2024, Mr. Wigglesworth and Pepper Finance were granted an interim injunction that barred Mr. Pepper from attending their home, filming, or publishing the home addresses of Pepper employees. After several adjournments, Mr. Pepper agreed to comply with the injunctions requested by the finance company and its managing director.