Over 70 year jail term handed down to the three accused

The judge said the thefts had been carried out by what gardaí believed to be a cross-border gang based in east Monaghan and south Armagh.

The judge said the court had placed the crime at the lower end of the middle spectrum of offending.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt adjourned matters until December 20th, when the three-judge Court will deliver their sentences to each of the three men.

Mr Dwyer said his clients crime was out of character, that he co-operated with Gardai and intends to remain out of trouble for the rest of his life.

A sentence hearing for the three men who were convicted yesterday will take place later this month.

Judgements on whether the four men are guilty or not is expected this afternoon.

A verdict in the case is to be handed down on Monday.