Courts / Louth / Report
Louth man jailed for possession of cat litter used in laundering fuel has jail term cut on appeal
Summary
Alan Rees, 31, of Tinure, Dunleer, Co. Louth, was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment in March 2015 for possessing cat litter and other items used to launder fuel. He pleaded guilty to one count of keeping prohibited goods used for removing the marker from mineral oil at Ballycoolin Business Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin, on 17 May 2013. Customs officers had intercepted him while removing 2,000 litres of laundered fuel from a business premises in Blanchardstown, and he admitted to removing 2,000 litres almost every second day for six months. The court found large and complex machinery and estimated the fuel‑laundering operation cost the State €62,000 in lost revenue. On appeal, the 18‑month sentence was reduced to 12 months, with the final six months suspended, as decided by Mr Justice Mahon, Mr Justice Birmingham and Mr Justice Sheehan.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Louth man jailed for possession of cat litter used in laundering fuel has jail term cut on appeal. Charges or matters: one count of keeping prohibited goods used for removing the marker from mineral oil at Ballycoolin Business Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin on May 17 2013. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 17 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 11 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-07-24 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: one count of keeping prohibited goods used for removing the marker from mineral oil at Ballycoolin Business Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin on May 17 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment by Judge Martin Nolan on March 11 2015. Mr Justice Mahon, who sat with Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan, suspended the final six months of the Louth man's 18 month sentence.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Ballycoolin Business Park
Topics
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