Courts / Dublin / Report
Valuable antique books - including 1660 edition of King James bible - went missing during restoration of Carton House, trial hears
Summary
During the restoration of Carton House, 67 valuable antique books, including a rare 1660 edition of the King James Bible, went missing after being stored. Andrew Shannon, 51, stands trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for unlawfully possessing the books, having them in his home when found during a March 2007 search. He pleaded not guilty, claiming ignorance or recklessness regarding their stolen status. The prosecution, represented by Monika Leech BL, argued that the State's case was not that Shannon stole the books but that he possessed them. Conor Mallon, who has overseen the house's restoration since 1994, testified that the books were photographed before storage and identified by the Fitzgerald family crest on their spines. He noted the books dated from the mid‑17th century onward and that no family member had sold or lent them. The trial continues before Judge Petria McDonnell.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Valuable antique books - including 1660 edition of King James bible - went missing during restoration of Carton House, trial hears. Charges or matters: possession of the books at his home while knowing or being reckless as to whether they were stolen on March 3, 2007. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- March 3, 2007 Incident
- March 2007 Incident
- 2016-01-27 Publication
Why: Mr Mallon explained that the crest featured a monkey which according to legend saved one of the Fitzgeralds after waking him up in a burning building. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: possession of the books at his home while knowing or being reckless as to whether they were stolen on March 3, 2007 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Accused
Charges: possession of the books at his home while knowing or being reckless as to whether they were stolen on March 3, 2007 (Alleged Or Contested)
Defendant
Charges: possession of the books at his home while knowing or being reckless as to whether they were stolen on March 3, 2007 (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
- Carton House
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Willans Way
- Dublin
- he went to the garda station
Topics
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