Czech man volunteers to leave after theft offences

A Czech national, connected to a number of thefts, has volunteered to leave the country and not to return for 10 years.

A special sitting of Killarney District Court yesterday was told Millan Gabco, aged 36, from Lartigue Court, Killarney would be accompanied by gardaí last night to Rosslare Harbour in Co Wexford, and catch a ferry before midnight. He volunteered to return to the Czech Republic after a number of theft- related charges in recent months, including one on February 1 when a valuable flute, music books and other instruments were taken from the car of a musician near the Friary in Killarney.

On March 8, within the Franciscan friary itself, he admitted taking a charity box and €150 from the church at Fairhill, Killarney as the evening prayer service was drawing to a close. He admitted to having a screwdriver and “multi-tool” with the intention of committing a burglary on the occasion.

Three people were involved in hauling the large metal box out the door before the prayer service was over, but a woman alerted gardaí.

The incident was captured on the church’s cameras.

Last year, Gabco received a suspended sentence for handling €2,000 of stolen jewellery. His solicitor Padraig O’Connell said his client had saved his social welfare payments for a fare back to the Czech Republic and had purchased the ticket on Irish Ferries.

“He will be brought by boat to the UK from where he will make his own way,” Mr O’Connell said.

Gabco’s partner is remaining in Ireland.