A man has appeared in court in Co Donegal charged with handling a stolen fishing trawler.
David Paterson appeared at a sitting of Buncrana District Court.
The 48-year-old Scottish national was charged with the alleged incident at Greencastle Pier, Greencastle in Co Donegal on November 22nd last.
He is charged that he did handle stolen property, to wit a fishing vessel, namely the ‘Linda Louise’ knowing the property was stolen or were reckless as to whether it was stolen.
The charge was Contrary to Section 17 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act of 2001.
The 9 metre, UK-registered vessel was seized by Gardai in an operation at the Inishowen harbour.
Paterson, with an address at Viking Way in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, did not appear in court.
His solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said this was the first time the matter was before the court.
Garda Sergeant Emmett Brady said he was requesting an adjournment to seek directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions in the case.
Judge Eiteain Cunningham agreed and adjourned the case until March 13th, 2025.