A businessman who was described by Judge Frank O'Donnell as a "big player who stood to make a lot of money" in a car theft ring has been jailed for three years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
James Keogh (36), of The Glebe, Lucan, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to three counts of handling stolen cars between March 11th, 1997 and July 3rd, 1997.
Peter Geoghegan (35), of Glenshane Road, Tallaght, who worked for Keogh, was jailed for one year, last month.
Judge O'Donnell said Keogh knew what he was doing and was well aware all the cars were stolen.
"This was a big operation and you had very clear knowledge as to the extent of it," he said.
Det Garda Patrick Carr told Mr Paul Carroll, prosecuting, that garda∅ found stolen vehicles, car parts, registration plates and documentation relating to cars when they raided a rented shed at a farmyard in Castle-Bagott, Newcastle, Co Dublin.
Mr Pieter Le Vert, defending, said Keogh had started to drink at 15 and at 21 began to take cannabis, cocaine and tablets. He had been in Coolmine Lodge for the last month receiving counselling for his alcohol addiction.
"This case has been around for some time and people who face jail sentences always seem to be getting treatment when their case comes to court," replied Judge O'Donnell.