A District Court has ordered that an £800 engagement ring be returned to a man who said he bought it for his girlfriend but which was taken from him by gardai.
Gareth Shields, of Yellowbatter, Drogheda, told the local District Court he bought the ring in a market stall in Drogheda for £80 but it was later valued by a jewellers in Drogheda at £800.
Shields said he was arrested for being drunk and disorderly on December 19th, 1994 and was taken to the Garda station where the ring was taken from him.
Garda Canice O'Gorman said inquiries indicated the ring had not been stolen. Judge Brennan ordered the ring to be returned to Shields. He was returned to Loughan House where he is in custody.