GARDAI searching for forged vehicle insurance documents discovered a stolen car operation, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told when a panel beater was given a three year suspended sentence.
Det Garda Ernest White of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation said Christopher Murphy's role in the operation was secondary. The prime mover had not yet been brought to justice.
He told Mr George Birmingham, prosecuting, that when gardai raided a lock up garage on Peamount Road, Newcastle, Co Dublin, on November 8th, 1993, they found forged documents and cars. The Garda Stolen Car Unit was called in.
Murphy (48), of Drumcairn Avenue, Dublin, was arrested on the premises. He pleaded guilty to handling two stolen cars.
Det Garda White said the operation involved camouflaging stolen cars and selling them.
Wrecked cars of the same make and age were used in the criminal operation.
The defendant's role was in spray painting and panel beating for which he was paid £100-£300 per car. His involvement was secondary and he had never been in trouble before or since his arrest.
Det Garda White agreed with Mr Anthony Sammon, defending, that the prime mover in the crime had been found liable for some of the cars and the victims had been reimbursed.
Judge Gerard Buchanan said he had no doubt Murphy was completely involved in the operation. He imposed a three year sentence but suspended it on condition that Murphy keep the peace for five years.