Man accused of €100,000 Kilbeggan cattle theft to stand trial

A Donegal man charged with stealing more than €100,000 worth of livestock from a farm in Westmeath has been sent forward for trial to the circuit court next month.

Barry Carr (30) of Boeshill, Pettigo, County Donegal, appeared before Athlone District Court today (Wednesday) where he was presented with the book of evidence in the case.

He is charged with stealing animals worth a total of €107,300 from Cornaher, Kilbeggan, between June 24 and 25 last year.

Mr Carr was charged with stealing nine cows, nine calves and 53 cattle, to the total value of €100,000, the property of Niall Dillon.

He was further charged with, between the same dates, stealing four cattle and 25 mountain ewes, value €7,300, the property of Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.

During today's hearing, Inspector Eamon Curley said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had consented to Mr Carr being returned for trial to the circuit court in Tullamore on Tuesday, October 4.

Judge Seamus Hughes gave Mr Carr the 'alibi warning', telling him that if he intended to rely on an alibi at his trial he must give details of this to the prosecution in advance.

The judge noted the defendant was currently on bail with 'substantial' conditions attached, and he said these conditions would continue to apply while he awaits trial.

Mr Carr, who didn't speak during the brief hearing, was represented by Martina Moran, of Gearoid Geraghty Solicitors, Ballinasloe. Ms Moran applied for legal aid and her application was approved by the court.