Suspect in court over cattle theft

A man has appeared in court in connection with the theft of 18 cattle from a farm in West Cork.

The man, aged in his 30s, was arrested by gardaí following a search operation in the Ballydehob area on Monday.

He was subsequently charged with the theft of 18 cattle from a farm in the Lakelands area of Skibbereen which took place on 24 November.

The suspect appeared before Macroom District Court yesterday morning.

Monday’s search operation was carried out by gardaí from the Serious Crime Units in Clonakilty, Bandon, and Bantry, supported by the Divisional Search Team and the Department of Agriculture.

The 18 cattle have been found, identified, and returned to their owner. It is understood they received a full garda escort back to their field!

Gardaí have confirmed that investigations are ongoing.