West Cork cattle rustle accused held in custody

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

Colm Dineen, aged 31, is charged with the alleged theft of cattle with a value of more than €50,000.

It is alleged Mr Dineen stole 12 Friesian heifers and six Friesian bulls worth €30,000 from the farm of Brian Lawlor at Lakelands, near Skibbereen, on November 24 last.

It is also alleged that he stole 13 Friesian bullocks valued at €10,000 from a farm near Skibbereen in December 2017.

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

Mr Dineen faces a further charge of an alleged theft from a property in Rosscarbery in April 2025.

Mr Dineen, with an address at Cappaghmore, Ballydehob, appeared via video link from Cork Prison before Judge Joanne Carroll at Clonakilty District Court.

He was remanded in custody to appear again on January 20, via video link in Clonakilty District Court.

A bail application is expected to be made by solicitor Flor Murphy for Mr Dineen.