THE STATE is to return more than €15,000 seized by gardaí from a Limerick couple earlier this year, a court has heard.
The money was taken from Brian and Maria Collopy of Ballysimon Road, Limerick, on May 17th last. The couple were returning to Limerick from Dublin when they were stopped by gardaí.
Previously at Limerick District Court gardaí applied for time to retain the cash to establish its source.
Lawyers for the couple argued that in almost five months gardaí had failed to establish that the cash was obtained illegally.
Ms Collopy claimed she obtained €8,325 by selling sweets at a GAA match and at events and fairs around the country.
Mr Collopy said €7,400 was made up of a loan from his brother of €5,000 and the rest from the sale of two horses belonging to his son. Last month at Limerick District Court gardaí were granted a further 30 days to retain the money for the purposes of their investigation. Judge Tom O’Donnell adjourned the case until yesterday by which time he said the State should have “ample time” to pursue its investigation.
Det Garda Tony O’Driscoll of Henry Street station told the court yesterday that the State no longer wished to retain the money.
Garda Insp Brendan McDonagh said the Criminal Assets Bureau was aware of the case and intended to have certain funds returned to the Collopys.
The judge said it was this branch of the State that no longer wished to retain the money and agreed with defence solicitor Ted McCarthy that the money should be handed back.