Donegal man with 179 previous convictions charged over caravan theft

A Donegal man with 179 previous convictions has been charged with the theft of a caravan at the weekend.

John Ward was brought before Monday’s sitting of Letterkenny District Court following his arrest on Sunday.

A 42-year-old, with an address at Cashel Park, Ward was charged with a series of offences and was only granted bail after Gardai agreed that strict conditions could be imposed. 

Ward was charged with stealing an Abbey caravan, valued at €3,000 and the property of a Paul McFadden, from Castleforward, Newtowncunningham, on Sunday, April 19.

The charge is contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001.

Ward was also charged with driving a vehicle without insurance at Magherabeg, Manorcunningham, a charge contrary to section 56 (1) and (3) Road Traffic Act, 1961 as amended by section 18 of the Road Traffic Act, 2006.

Ward was also charged with driving without a licence at Magherabeg, Manorcunningham and, at Buncrana Garda Station, with refusing to permit a designated nurse to take a specimen of his blood or to provide for the said designated nurse a specimen of urine.

Garda Stephen Morrissey told the court that Gardai were objecting to bail and sought for Ward to be remanded in custody. 

Garda Morrissey said Gardai were concerned that Ward would continue to reoffend if he were granted bail.

Mr Rory O’Brien, solicitor for Ward, said his client believed that he had a “lawful purpose in taking the vehicle”.

Mr O’Brien added: “He cooperated with Gardai and believed that his acquisition of the vehicle was lawful”.

The solicitor told Judge Emile Daly that conditions could be imposed. 

Judge Daly said that her inclination, due to Ward’s extensive previous convictions, was to refuse bail.

However, Sergeant Jim Collins then agreed that there were conditions that would be “adequate” to grant Ward bail.

The accused was granted bail on condition that he sign on at a Garda station twice daily, that he reside at an approved address. 

Ward was also ordered to: obey a curfew from 10pm to 9am; remain of sober habits; provide a contact number and be contactable 24/7; and be of good behaviour. 

An independent surety in the form of a cash lodgement of €800 was also required by the court. 

The case was put back to allow for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).