‘Informal mechanic’ found with stolen van and property

An “informal” mechanic who was caught with vehicles and property stolen from around the country will be sentenced later.

Stephen Walpole, aged 49, initially claimed someone had delivered a stolen van found partially hidden on his property so he could remove identity stickers. He told gardaí he had it because he had been owed money for its repair.

Garda Ruadhan McLoughlin said he and colleagues discovered more stolen vehicles and property from stolen vehicles in and around Walpole’s home after locating the first van at his address by it’s satellite tracking system.