Man who stole 27ft caravan and drove it halfway across country ordered to refund owner
Stephen Ward admitted taking the caravan from the property of George Gilmore at Ballyness, Falcarragh in Co Donegal
Stephen Ward admitted taking the Hobby Caravan model 570 from the property of George Gilmore at Ballyness, Falcarragh in Co Donegal on September 7, 2019.The 26-year old accused man previously admitted the theft when he appeared at Falcarragh District Court.Canny gardai tracked the caravan more than 169 kilometres using dozens of CCTV cameras along the route before finally nabbing Ward.The court was told that on September 7, 2019 a Hobby Caravan model 570 was stolen from the property of George Gilmore at Ballyness, Falcarragh.Local gardai got their thinking hats on and viewed dozens of CCTV cameras in a bid to track down the 27ft long caravan which is valued at €9,200.They viewed CCTV footage leaving all directions out of Falcarragh and spotted the caravan being towed.They then crossed-referenced dozens of CCTV cameras along the route before tracking the caravan to an address at Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.When gardai seized the caravan, there was €4,471 worth of damage or property missing.A caravan similar to the one stolen by Stephen Ward. His solicitor Mr Rory O'Brien said his client had planned to use the caravan for living accommodation.He said his client had been told the caravan had been abandoned as the owner had passed away.Mr O'Brien said this was not an excuse but this is what Ward told the gardai when they arrived at his door.He said Ward, of Ballyboe, Co Monaghan, admitted being at the scene but was not driving the vehicle which towed away the caravan.Ward has made some payments towards the compensation which he was ordered to pay by Judge Raymond Finnegan at a previous court sitting.In April, 2022, Judge Deirdre Gearty told Ward “The day for negotiation is gone as far as I’m concerned. It’s not a bidding situation.”The case was mentioned again at Falcarragh District Court and Ward's solicitor Mr O'Brien said his client will have proposals for payment on that day.Judge Eiteain Cunningham said the matter has to be resolved soon saying "we have to get to the bottom of this."She said the case was ongoing for a number of years to before when she arrived at Donegal Court District 1 which was in 2022.The case was adjourned until May 22nd when Ward was told to be in court.
