Charges struck out over issue with EU arrest warrant at Leitrim Court

A Donegal man with 157 previous convictions had charges of criminal damage, theft and unauthorised taking of a vehicle struck out at Manorhamilton Court this week due to an issue with a European Arrest Warrant.

John Paul Reilly, 8 Railway Ave, Killygordon, Co Donegal had previously pleaded guilty to the offences at New Line, Manorhamilton on May 25, 2019.

Mr Reilly is currently serving a prison sentence for a separate conviction, with a release date of February 2024.

This case had been part heard in Manorhamilton District Court in January 2023 when Gardai told the court that on May 25, 2019, a third party attended Manorhamilton Garda Station and handed in keys to a van along with items she said were stolen by her daughter’s boyfriend.

The van was located outside Our Lady’s Hospital, Manorhamilton.
The front passenger window in the van was broken.
All of the property taken from the van was recovered.

The court heard the victim was out a total of €2,280 for the damage to his van, hire of another van and loss of earnings.
CCTV footage captured Mr Reilly with the stolen property.

Last Wednesday, February 8, 2023, Sgt Lisa Sewell informed Manorhamilton District Court there was an issue with the EU arrest warrant Mr Reilly was arrested under and the state was now withdrawing the charges.

Solicitor Sinead Whelan representing John Paul Reilly said on foot of the information her client wished to vacate his previous guilty plea.

Judge Sandra Murphy withdrew the charges and struck out the case.