EXCLUSIVE: Man charged in connection with theft of prize calf

A man in his mid-60s has been charged in connection with the theft of a Holstein Friesian calf from the Virginia Show this year.

The Irish Farmers Journal has learned that a man has been charged in connection with a garda investigation into the theft of a Holstein Friesian heifer calf at the Virginia Show on 24 August 2016.

Arrest

According to a garda spokesperson, the man was arrested on 30 August and detained at Bailieborough garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. He was subsequently charged in connection with the theft and released on bail and is due to appear in Virginia District Court at a later date.

Local sources have told the Irish Farmers Journal CCTV footage was crucial in helping the gardaí in making the arrest.

Sandra Murphy, the owner of the calf, posted about the theft on her Facebook page the day after the show, appealing for people to come forward with any information that might be helpful to the case.

According to Ms Murphy, the calf went missing between 6pm and 6.30pm on Wednesday after the Baileys Class had finished. Ms Murphy was then reunited with the missing calf last week.

The Irish Farmers Journal contacted Ms Murphy for comment, but she declined.

This is not the first time a prize Holstein Friesian calf has been taken at the Virginia Show.

Heifer calf

On 31 July 2010, a heifer calf was stolen from renowned Co Down Holstein Friesian breeder Ivan Robinson at the show.

The calf was never recovered but according to gardaí investigations into this case are ongoing.