‘Chancellor of the Exchequer’ wife spares Longford husband's blushes

Ladislav Dunka (63) 5 Larkfield, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim, pleaded guilty at a sitting of Longford District Court last week to the theft from 1 Granada Drive, Granard, Co Longford on January 5, 2022.

In defence, solicitor Frank Gearty said his client was “very ashamed of himself” after court proceedings were issued against him.

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Dunka told Judge Bernadette Owens that gardaí had retrieved the stolen turf that he took on the day of the alleged incident.

Mr Gearty said Mr Dunka had succumbed to ill health in recent times and, as a result, was no longer driving.

“He has let himself down quite badly,” said Mr Gearty.

“He is in very poor health and has been in Ireland for the last 20 years.”

Judge Owens said she was of a mind to spare Mr Dunka the ignominy a criminal conviction.

As questions were asked as to where the required money was to come from, Mr Dunka's wife could be seen reaching into her purse before walking towards the bench where Mr Dunka and Mr Gearty were standing.

“You can see who the chancellor of the exchequer is,” said Mr Gearty, somewhat tongue in cheek.

Judge Owens, in response said the money handed into the court was a sum the accused would likely owe to his wife, comments which again drew a light-hearted response from Mr Gearty.

“I think there is a budgetary arrangement pending,” he said.

The case was ultimately struck out by Judge Owens.