Man convicted of €90k tiger kidnapping

A CAVAN man has been convicted of a €90,000 tiger kidnapping four years ago in which a postmistress, her daughter and an Italian student were abducted from their home.

Paschal Kelly, 53, with an address at Cootehill, Co. Cavan, had pleaded not guilty to trespass and to the false imprisonment of postmistress Susan Lawlor, her daughter Emma Carter and Italian student Gabriella Saisa at Seabury Drive, Malahide, Dublin, on September 25, 2014.

Kelly had also pleaded not guilty to robbing Ms Lawlor of cash at Bayside Post Office, Sutton, Dublin, and threatening to kill her, Ms Carter and Ms Saisa.

He also denied unlawful possession of a vehicle.

Shortly after midday yesterday the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on all charges after one hour and 40 minutes deliberating.

Kelly has been remanded in custody for sentence in January.