Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail for dad-of-eight who sold stolen cars on Donedeal
Summary
Nicholas Keane, 41, of Balbriggan, was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to ten counts of handling stolen vehicles and two counts of inducing others to purchase stolen cars between July and October 2016. He sold ten stolen cars on the "Donedeal" website for €88,795, earning about €500 per sale. Keane admitted he was motivated by financial hardship and wanted to provide for his eight children. He denied involvement in the thefts, claiming he was only the front‑man who met buyers, handed over registration details and accepted cash. The judge, Melanie Greally, suspended the last year of a four‑year sentence on the condition that he obeys Probation Service directions regarding substance abuse. Keane expressed remorse and said he would repay victims if he won the lottery. The article reports the victims' financial losses and the impact on their lives.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for dad-of-eight who sold stolen cars on Donedeal. Charges or matters: ten counts of handling stolen vehicles and two charges of inducing another to purchase a stolen vehicle on dates between July 11, 2016 and October 25, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 11, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 25, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 15, 2016 Incident
- Christmas Other
- 2019-05-28 Publication
Why: Nicholas Keane (41) later told gardaí in interview that the operation gave him the chance to make money because he was behind on his maintenance. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: ten counts of handling stolen vehicles and two charges of inducing another to purchase a stolen vehicle on dates between July 11, 2016 and October 25, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She suspended the last year of a four year sentence on condition that he obey all directions of the Probation Service regarding substance abuse.
Places mentioned
- Chapel Street
- Balbriggan
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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