The case of a man who allegedly stole a jeep from a farmyard in Kilkenny was recently refused jurisdiction by a District Court judge, who said it is “too serious.”
Christopher McDonald (32) of Good Shepherd Hostel, Church Lane, Kilkenny, appeared before Judge John Cheatle at a sitting of Waterford District Court last month, charged with taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, contrary to Section 112 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, and damaging property, contrary to Section 2 (1) of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991.
For the purposes of jurisdiction, Sergeant Michael Hickey outlined that on 21 August 2025, Gardaí were called to a farm in Kilmurry, Slieverue, Kilkenny, following reports that a jeep had allegedly been stolen. The Sergeant said that the keys were allegedly inside the vehicle, and that the injured party had reportedly heard it being driven away. The jeep was then recovered after the owner observed it out in public, and the accused was allegedly identified as the driver.
Sgt. Hickey told the court that the jeep is a Toyota Landcruiser, with a value of €12,000.
Although the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had indicated summary disposal in the case, which would mean it would be heard at the District Court, Judge Cheatle said that the matter was “too serious” for that.
The Judge decided to refuse jurisdiction in the case, which will direct it to a higher court. He remanded the accused on continuing bail until 21 April next, when the case will be mentioned again.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Robyn Power
