Driver of van loaded with stolen cigarettes given community service

The driver of a container with stolen cigarettes valued almost €2.5m is to carry out 120 hours community service in lieu of an 18-month prison sentence.

Barry Monaghan, (aged 26), of Clonliffe Road, Ballybough pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of the container and the cigarettes on March 31, 2004 at Togher Business Park, Naas, Co Kildare, knowing them to have been stolen and to using a vehicle without the consent of the owner.