A Cork man admits trying to sell a stolen car online

On August 16, 2023, the owner of a Volkswagen Passat parked it at Clonmel railway station and returned to find it had been stolen. She reported the theft to police, which led to an investigation into the Limerick man, who is still on trial over the theft.

The following day the owner contacted Garda Condon again and notified him that the car was for sale online.

The owner contacted the seller and arranged to meet him at his proposed location in Dillon’s Cross, Cork. At the meeting, a member of An Garda Síochána took the owner’s place and met with Zabar Harna, who asked her for cash.

Det Garda Condon said Zabar Harna took his car keys from his pocket and handed them to the garda. Later, his phone was checked and communication with the real owner of the car was found.

Defense lawyer Donal Daly said Mr Harna was reckless about the Volkswagen Passat’s origins and swapped his €2,000 Volkswagen Polo for a Passat. He then tried to sell the Passat on the Internet.

Judge Philip O’Leary wondered how the defendant could even hope to sell a car he did not own and for which he had no logbook. Mr Daly said Mr Harna admitted his actions were sheer stupidity, and a lawyer later described them as beyond stupid.

However, Daly stressed: “He was reckless, unlike a criminal. He did not participate, participate or participate in the theft of the Passat. He also lost his own car worth 2,000 euros.

“It was beyond stupid. He is considering selling the car and is meeting with our friends at Clonmel Garda Station,” Daly said.

Judge O’Leary commented: “Quelle surprise!” The judge said he would consider the case under all circumstances by imposing a fine of 500 euros for handling stolen property.

Mr Harna has only one previous conviction for driving without insurance.