Theft charge struck out

A 56-year-old man before Sligo District Court charged with theft of a tractor and trespass had the charges struck out by Judge Kevin Kilrane. Joe Linane with an address at Enagh, Croghan, Co Roscommon was charged with the offences on March 21st 2017 at Rathina, Lisserlough, Co Sligo. Defending solicitor Mr Gerard McGovern (acting for Peter Collins solicitor) said there was another man involved who had been given the Probation Act. Both had been charged with theft and trespass. He said Mr Linane was more of an assistant. Both men knew an old farmer who had died and there was a 20-year old Massey Ferguson rusting in his field. Both said it was a shame to see it rusting and went out to the field for the purpose of taking the tractor. Mr Linane said that the other man had charged him €100 to go and get the tractor.

Judge Kilrane said in the circumstances he was going to strike out the charges.