Local charities to benefit as Limerick gardai secure court order to dispose of cash

Local charities and voluntary organisations are set to benefit after gardai successfully applied to dispose of a significant quantity of cash which has been in its possession for some time.

At Limerick District Court, Sergeant Jim Hanley made several Police Property Applications relating to various sums of money, totalling €1,750.

For each individual application, the court was told when and how the money came into the possession of gardai and the efforts that have been made to return the cash to its rightful owner.

In some cases, Sgt Hanley said efforts to locate certain named individuals were unsuccessful while others, he added, are now deceased.

In addition, Judge Patricia Harney was told that some of the money represents compensation payments for local businesses arising from shoplifting offences.

However, Sgt Hanley said these businesses are no longer trading and that the money cannot be handed over to them.

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Having granted the applications, Judge Harney directed that the money be transferred to the Court Poor Box "to be distributed in accordance with law".

In doing so, she noted the distribution of monies from the Court Poor Box is overseen by a manager within the Courts Service and that there is "substantial judicial oversight" of the process.