Application for return of car seized by Longford Gardaí is granted

An appellant who sought the return of a car impounded by Gardaí was granted her request by District Court Judge Deirdre Gearty at a recent court sitting.

Shania Duignan made the application for the return of a seized 211 Ford Kuga. The property was in the possession of An Garda Síochána at Longford Garda Station since last March.

Ms Duignan's application was moved by Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors, with barrister Niall Flynn presenting.

Judge Gearty was told the State wished to retain the vehicle as it was seized as evidence in “a money laundering investigation”. Prosecuting Inspector, Paddy McGirl, said the investigation is ongoing and a number of avenues are to be pursued in the enquiries.

In evidence Garda David Conroy told the court the vehicle was seized when officers executed a search warrant at Pearse View, Longford on March 29, 2024. Garda Conroy said during the search of the home of Ms Duignan's partner, Michael Doyle, “a number of exhibits were located”.

The officer described how the search uncovered €1,100 in a wallet, another €3,000 in a bedroom and a further €1,000 wrapped in cellophane.

Garda Conroy said a black weighing scale and a smaller digital weighing scale were also found. There were a number of items wrapped in black duct tape that are currently being analysed by Forensic Science Ireland, and white powder contained in a washing powder box is also being examined.

The witness said it was the belief of the Gardaí that the money was derived from money laundering and drugs offences.

The officer said when Mr Doyle was asked where he got the money to buy the 211 registered vehicle he said: “I save my dole.”

Barrister Niall Flynn, acting for Ms Duignan, said his client is the registered owner of the vehicle. He pointed out that she has no previous convictions and co-operated at all times. Mr Flynn explained that the mother of two young children was significantly inconvenienced as she needs her car in her day-to-day activity.

He said Garda evidence that the car was paid for in cash was hearsay, and pointed out that Ms Duignan had not been arrested, charged or even questioned about any offence connected with the allegations made by Garda Conroy. Mr Flynn said any forensic examination of the vehicle could have been carried out since the car had been in the possession of Gardaí since March.

The barrister went on to state that if the vehicle was the proceeds of crime then the Criminal Assets Bureau would have been involved.

Prosecuting Inspector, Paddy McGirl, explained that the investigation was ongoing, that it was still at an early stage and a number of directions were being pursued.

Inspector McGirl pointed out that the Gardaí seized a sizeable sum of cash, there was lack of visible income on the part of the car's owner and the vehicle was part of the Garda investigation into the matter.

Having deliberated, Judge Gearty said she could see no reason for the Gardaí to continue to hold on to the vehicle as part of the investigation. She directed the car be returned to Ms Duignan within 14 days.