International show jumper charged with handling stolen horse is sent forward for trial

By Nathan Molloy, The Sligo Champion

An international showjumper has been sent forward for trial at the next sittings of Sligo Circuit Court in July.

Sligo native, Michael Kearins (43) of Koolwijkerbroek, Gelderland, The Netherlands appeared before Judge Ciaran Liddy at Tubbercurry District Court on Wednesday.

He is charged that on a date unknown between January 1, 2022 and May 25, 2022, both dates inclusive, that within the state he knowingly handled a stolen horse, Currina Diamond Tiara.

Garda Inez Leahy of Tubbercurry Garda station gave evidence of serving the accused with the Book of Evidence.

A signed declaration and copy of the Book of Evidence were handed into the court.

Sergeant David McDonagh told Judge Liddy said that his application was to have the defendant sent forward for trial at the next sitting of Sligo Circuit Criminal Court on July 14.

Mr Adrian Gillick, solicitor (defending), told Judge Liddy that he had an application to extend legal aid to cover junior and senior counsel.

Judge Liddy gave Kearins the alibi warning.

Mr Gillick informed Judge Liddy that a bail application in the High Court was pending in the next two to three weeks for his client.

Kearins was further remanded in custody.

Article funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.