Judge baffled by ‘disappearing’ car stolen from Kerry dealership
The KerrymanA judge has sentenced a Cork man to 18 months for stealing a car from a dealership and filling it with stolen petrol.
It was alleged that Tim Dennehy (50) of Glandmore, Ballyhea, Charleville took a car from a Killarney dealership, “drove off and never came back” on July 11, 2022.
Mr Dennehy pleaded guilty before Judge David Waters at Killarney District Court on Tuesday, October 21.
He was charged with taking a vehicle without authority from Brian Glover of BG Motors, Tralee Road, Killarney.
He is also charged with stealing €136.56 from The Rock Petrol, Rock Road, Killarney on the same day.
The vehicle, valued at €5,000, has never been located. It was known to be outside of jurisdiction “for some time”, the court heard.
“It’s not believed it was stolen for gain,” Sergeant Detective Stephen O’Brien told the court.
Mr Dennehy had previous convictions for similar activities, the court heard.
“A vehicle doesn’t normally disappear into thin air,” said the judge, noting that when a car disappears, it usually involves orchestrated planning.
Mr Dennehy had four prior theft convictions and one assault conviction.
The garage was compensated through insurance.
Judge Waters sentenced Mr Dennehy to nine months for each charge. The sentences will run consecutively.