Gerard Holland (65) from Bandon, Co Cork, was sentenced on Friday to six years in prison with the last four suspended for handling stolen tractors and car parts.

Gardaí recovered 10 tractors which had been stolen from the yards of farmers and agri-contractors.

Serial numbers changed

The identity of the tractors had been changed and, in eight cases, the serial numbers of the tractors were removed or changed.

Gardaí found that the machines had been stolen from farms on both sides of the border by individuals based in south Armagh.

Holland pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to 11 sample charges of possessing and handling stolen car parts and stolen tractors.