A man seeking to retrieve his car, which has been impounded for over a year and a half, has been hit with a hefty bill of almost €18,000.
The vehicle had been seized by Gardai after the driver was found to have no insurance and no driving licence.
Milan Grkinic appeared before Letterkenny District Court this week in a bid to have his car returned.
Representing himself, Grkinic told Judge Éiteáin Cunningham that he wanted to ‘explore the possibility to get it back if possible’.
Sergeant Jim Collins explained that the vehicle was seized in January 2022 by Garda Cassidy. At the time, Grkinic pleaded guilty to having no insurance and no driving licence.
The court heard that there is an initial cost of €125 with €35 added on each day thereafter. As the car has been in storage since January 2022, the cost has rocketed to between €17,500-€18,000.
Judge Cunningham asked Grkinic if he could discharge the fees.
“It is a substantial amount of money,” Grkinic said. “Since that time until now, we are struggling so I don’t know how much I can afford. I would like to get it done today.”
Sergeant Collins said there would be no issue in returning the vehicle once the storage fees were paid.
Judge Cunningham explained to Grkinic that the Court’s hands were tied in the matter and had no power to waive the fees.
The matter was adjourned until September 18 next to allow Grkinic to liaise with the Superintendent’s office.