Extra licence plate in alleged kidnap vehicle, trial hears

A detective gave evidence on day 21 of the trial of Paschal Kelly at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, describing the discovery of an additional licence plate during examination of a vehicle alleged to have been used in a tiger kidnapping. Mr Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment, robbery and threats relating to an incident at Malahide and Bayside Post Office on 25 September 2014. Detective Garda Seamus O'Donnell told the court he found a Meath licence plate in the boot of a grey Volkswagen Golf bearing Dublin plates. He collected DNA samples from items in the vehicle and noted damage to the passenger door and wing mirrors. The defence questioned whether DNA contamination may have occurred during handling, though the detective stated he changed gloves regularly. The trial continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury.