Dolores O'Riordan's former nanny is bringing High Court proceedings against the Cranberries singer and her husband, Don Burton.

Joy Fahy of Moyleggan, County Meath is claiming breach of contract and false imprisonment arising from her second spell working with the couple in June 1999.

The 34-year-old, who previously worked as a childminder for Larry Mullen, is also seeking the return of designer clothing that she alleges belongs to her, and €12,700 which she says she was promised in the event of her €635 a week verbal contract being broken.

Speaking yesterday in court, she accused Burton of being drunk, aggressive and on one occasion forcing her to barricade herself in a bedroom.

Countering that Fahy had "walked out" on them, Bill Shipsey SC said the defendants strenuously deny any wrongdoing on their part.

As revealed last month on hotpress.com, Dolores is among the posse of stars taking part in Belfast and Dublin's twin Beautiful Night gigs on May 1.