Cheeky behind bars as criminal wings it

IT WAS described as the most bird-brained crime ever carried out in Limerick. But yesterday the only one behind bars was the distraught victim.

Cheeky, a valuable green conure parrot, was stolen from his owners Brian and Mary Costello in St Mary’s Park in May 2006.

Days later armed detectives swooped on another house in the same estate after a passer-by alerted them of cries of “help me, help me” coming from the building. The armed flying squad rescued the distressed parrot they found inside the house.

Brian Costello said: “Cheeky is a great talker and we weren’t surprised he managed to talk his way to freedom.”

After a Garda investigation, a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions who ordered that a local teenager be charged with handling a stolen parrot and also with breaking into the Costello’s home in St Mary’s Park.

The case was due to go ahead at Limerick District Court yesterday.

However, Inspector Tom O’Brien informed Judge Tom O’Donnell the prosecution could not go ahead as a key witness was not available. Sources said the witness was on holidays — in the Canaries. Judge O’Donnell struck out the charge and the accused youth, 16, flew the judicial system.

Thirteen-year-old Cheeky is regarded by the Costellos as one of the family. They turned down offers as high as €2,000 for him. Brian Costello said Cheeky had been shaken by his ordeal. He said: “I think he was a bit put out with us. But thanks be to God he is all right. We are grateful to the gardaí for getting him back safe. We were devastated when we found him missing after we got home after an overnight with friends. If we were offered the Lottery for Cheeky we wouldn’t sell him. Cheeky could talk for Ireland and speaks the same as us. He always tells us how much he loves us.”

Cheeky was safely caged last night unaware of the drama that unfolded at the city court.