Cork teenager accused of driving stolen car gets bail, but can only travel in car driven by his mother

The teenager was also allegedly caught by gardaí in possession of keys for two other stolen cars

The teenager was remanded on bail until January 5, 2026. File picture: Larry Cummins

A teenager charged with various counts related to stolen cars was told by a judge who released him from custody that the only car he could travel in was one driven by his mother.

The teenager was allegedly caught by gardaí in a stolen car and in possession of keys for two other stolen cars. He was arrested and brought before Cork District Court where there was an objection to bail because the prosecution believed he would commit further crimes of this kind.

Garda Niall McCarthy arrested 18-year-old Craig Lynch of 62 St. John’s Well, Fair Hill, Cork, and brought him before Cork District Court on charges of driving a stolen car and other counts of handling stolen property.

Judge Mary Dorgan granted the teenager bail with extensive conditions that included a 10pm curfew and requirements to sign on twice a day at Gurranabraher garda station. The judge also ordered that the only car the youth could travel in was one driven by his mother. 

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the defendant would comply with all bail conditions. In the objection to bail, Garda McCarthy testified that the charges were serious and the concerns were that there would be more offences committed.

Case background

Garda McCarthy said that before 6pm on Tuesday, December 9, gardaí on patrol at Geaney’s Boreen, Knocknaheeney, Cork, observed Craig Lynch sitting in the driver’s seat of a Black Nissan Qashqai which had been stolen in Ballincollig on December 2.

“As gardaí approached the vehicle they observed Craig Lynch attempting to start the vehicle using the key. Craig Lynch was interviewed in relation to the incident and admitted to having the key in his possession but denied stealing the vehicle. The car is worth approximately €10,000. 

“Craig Lynch was searched on his arrest and he was found to be in possession of a key for an Opel car. Through enquiries, gardaí were able to match the key to a black Opel Insignia which was stolen, also in Ballincollig, on December 6. 

"The car was recovered by gardaí in Parklands, Commons Road, Cork on December 8, a short distance from Craig Lynch’s address. Craig Lynch was interviewed in relation to the incident and admitted to having the key in his possession but denied stealing the vehicle. 

"The car is worth approximately €15,000. Craig Lynch was also found to be in possession of cannabis worth €100. Craig Lynch took ownership of the cannabis and stated he had it in his possession for his own personal use.

“On December 10 during a search of the defendant’s home, a Skoda key was located in his bedroom. It was found to be the key of a Grey Skoda Enyaq which had been stolen from Whitechurch Village.

“He admitted to having the key in his possession but denied stealing the vehicle. The car is worth approximately €30,000.” Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the teenager on bail until January 5, 2026.