Fraudster faces charge for hotel art theft

A NOTORIOUS Irish art thief will be extradited to Dublin from the UK today to face charges over the theft of a painting from a hotel in the south of the country.

The middle-aged man is known as a Walter Mitty-type who has over 40 convictions mainly linked to art theft.

He has already appeared in court in England in relation to his extradition.

The man has already spent a significant time behind bars, in Ireland and other parts of Europe, for his ‘notorious theft of artwork and destruction of valuable art,’ said a source.

He is due before Dublin District Court on Saturday where he will be charged with the theft of a painting from a hotel where he was a guest.

This painting was recovered by gardaí in 2014 in Dublin 15 during a raid of the suspect’s then home.

The well-known criminal was awarded several thousand euro in a State compensation scheme in the past. He previously had a council house adorned with expensive pieces of art and antiques.

Known as a ‘believable fraudster’ he has frequently used his affable personality and ability to con people to his advantage.