Suspended sentence for Kilkenny man who stole three greyhounds

A man found with three stolen dogs he claimed he was given, has been convicted of theft.

Michael Carthy, Bay 4, Wetlands, St Catherines, Kilkenny, was handed down a two month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months on condition he enter into a Peace Bond.

Evidence was heard that on June 22 last, at 5.30am, a vehicle approached a garda check point, located on Ossory Bridge, Kilkenny. About 100 metres from the checkpoint the vehicle reversed back from the gardaí. Gardaí followed and stopped the vehicle.

There were four people in the car, including Mr Carthy. There were also three greyhounds in the car.  Mr Carthy said they were given to him but couldn’t say by who.

Gardaí suspected the animals were stolen and on checking found they were microchipped. The owner was contacted and he had reported the dogs stolen from his yard in the early hours of the morning.

Mr Carthy was interviewed by gardaí and again said the dogs were given to him.

Each dog was worth €800 the owner said.

Mr Carthy had 22 previous convictions, the court heard.

Solicitor Chris Hogan said on the evening in question Mr Carthy had been in Carlow, drinking with family members. He is known in his community for his interest in greyhounds.

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He met some distant cousins who offered him what he thought were three whippets but turned out to be young greyhounds. Mr Carthy accepted he should have checked the ownership. He did not know the dogs were stolen but was reckless as to whether they were. He contacted his wife to come and collect him.

Mr Hogan said his client has some previous convictions but is not a recidivist offender. He is currently engaging with the probation service and doing some community work.

Judge Patricia Cronin convicted Mr Carthy and imposed a sentence of two months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months on condition he enter into a bond to keep the peace.