Man accused of multiple cattle thefts across West Cork remanded in custody

The accused faces multiple charges over alleged cattle thefts from farms across West Cork dating back several years

Colm Dineen (pictured). File picture: Noel Sweeney

A man accused of cattle rustling in West Cork has been remanded in custody until later this month.

Colm Dineen, 31, faces charges relating to the alleged theft of cattle valued at more than €50,000.

The court heard that Mr Dineen allegedly stole 12 Friesian heifers and six Friesian bulls, valued at €30,000, from the farm of Brian Lawlor at Lakelands, near Skibbereen, on November 24.

He is also accused of stealing 13 Friesian bullocks valued at €10,000 from another farm near Skibbereen in December 2017.

Mr Dineen further faces charges over the alleged theft of three Friesian heifer calves worth €1,500 from a farm near Skibbereen in March 2023, and eight cattle valued at €12,000 from a farm near Ballydehob in November 2022.

He also faces a further charge relating to an alleged theft from a property in Rosscarbery in April 2025.

Mr Dineen, of Cappaghmore, Ballydehob, appeared via videolink from Cork Prison before Judge Joanne Carroll at Clonakilty District Court.

Judge Carroll remanded him in custody to appear again on January 20 via videolink at Clonakilty District Court.

Solicitor Flor Murphy is expected to make a bail application on Mr Dineen’s behalf.