A man accused of handling multiple vehicle which were stolen in the Republic of Ireland will face Crown Court proceedings next month.
The 39-year-old appeared at Newry Magistrates’ for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
Kieran Daniel McAleavey, of Tamary Road, Mayobridge is charged with six counts of handling property stolen in the Republic of Ireland.
As these charges were read, it was heard that all of the offences are alleged to have occurred between August 23, 2017, and the October 5, 2018.
These relate to a number of vehicles, namely two Toyota Landcruisers, a Land Rover Discovery, a Mercedes C Class, a Transit van and a Toyota Hilux Jeep.
Appearing via videolink from his solicitor’s office, the defendant made no objection to the holding of a preliminary enquiry.
Prosecution submitted that based on the papers before the court there was a prima facie case to answer.
Defence solicitor William McMurray made no contrary submissions.
District Judge Eamonn King was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer and McAleavey was released on his own bail of £1,000 to appear before Newry Crown Court on February 16 for arraignment.
