Czech man volunteers to leave country after attempted theft from church

Millan Gabco caught attempting to take charity box at Franciscan Friary in Killarney

Gabco’s solicitor said his client had bought a ticket on Irish Ferries and he handed documentation into court. Photograph: Eric Luke

A 36-year-old Czech man has volunteered to leave Ireland and not return for 10 years, a special sitting of Killarney District Court has been told.

Millan Gabco (36) of Lartigue Court, Killarney, was on his way to Rosslare Harbour in Co Wexford accompanied by gardaí last night.

He volunteered to return to his homeland after a series of theft-related charges in recent months.

He admitted taking a large charity box and €150 from the Franciscan Friary church at Fairhill, Killarney on March 8th just as the evening prayer service was drawing to a close. He also admitted having a screwdriver and multitool with the intention of committing a burglary.

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Three people were involved in hauling the large metal box out the door before the prayer service was over, but a local woman spotted what was going on and alerted gardaí. Gabco’s solicitor, Pádraig O’Connell, said his client had bought a ticket on Irish Ferries and he handed documentation into court.

“He will be brought by boat to the UK from whence he will make his own way,” Mr O’Connell said.

Judge James O’Connor stressed there was “no compulsion” and no direction involved in the voluntary agreement to return home for at least 10 years. Mr O’Connell said his client was indeed undertaking to go voluntarily.