Couple hid stolen Russborough art treasures in their attic

A Dublin couple who hid oil paintings valued at €18

A Dublin couple who hid oil paintings valued at €18.5 million, which had been stolen from Russborough House in their attic have been remanded for sentence by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Thomas (48) and Noeleen (46) Douglas, Deansrath Road, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to handling stolen property on December 20th, 2002.

Det Sgt George Coyne told Mr Paul Greene, prosecuting, that the couple were arrested after gardaí received confidential information and searched their Clondalkin home. He said they agreed to store the paintings for the gang of masked men which stole them after Thomas Douglas was asked by a man to do him a favour and hold on to them.

Judge Desmond Hogan adjourned the sentence until February 9th. He remanded both on continuing bail.