Man ‘stole €2k from a church’ while funeral was being held
A MAN has appeared in court after being charged with stealing almost €2,000 from a church while a funeral was taking place.
Ireneusz Matras appeared at Letterkenny District Court, charged that on April 14, at St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, he did steal property to wit €1,754.55 and £6.13 stg, the property of parish priest, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie.
It follows an incident during midday mass at the Cathedral yesterday during which a large sum of cash was stolen from the sacristy of the church.
It happened just moments after mass while a funeral was taking place.
The accused, 43, of Fortwell, Letterkenny, was arrested a short time later and taken to Letterkenny Garda station for questioning.
He appeared before Judge Eiteain Cunningham.
Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle said evidence of
Judge
Cunningham arrest, charge and caution of the accused had been given by way of schedule.
The court was told that directions had been forwarded from the Director of Public Prosecutions who has decided to deal with the case by way of summary disposal in the district court.
Defence solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher said the accused is a foreign national from Poland and that there will be a plea in the case.
However, while he said he had instructions he added he would like an interpreter and was requesting an adjournment.
He also said he was seeking a probation report adding his client has no previous convictions.
Sergeant Doyle said there was no objection to bail but asked for a number of conditions.
They include that the accused provide an address and sign on once a week at Letterkenny Garda station.
The judge agreed and adjourned the case
until July 8.