Stephen Fowler – man to be sentenced later for car stripping operation

Gardaí discovered a “systematic” car-stripping operation when they searched a warehouse in Wicklow that was “jam-packed” with components of motor vehicles, a court has heard.

Stephen Fowler (31), Millbrook Lawns, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to eight charges of possession of stolen car parts, between June 2008 and August 2009.

Det Garda William Saunderson said he was part of a team investigating the organised theft and subsequent sale of vehicles, in parts or whole, to innocent customers.

He told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that gardaí searched a warehouse in Blessington, Wicklow, on August 24th, 2009. He said the unit was being used to strip down vehicles.

“There was a systematic stripping operation. It was absolutely jam-packed with car parts. It was floor to ceiling,” he said.

It was established that the cars had been stolen in 2008 and 2009, their value ranging from €3,000 to €33,000. Caroline Biggs SC, defending, said her client pleaded guilty and this saved a potentially “difficult trial” regarding chassis numbers and tracing.

The judge adjourned sentencing until October 18th.