Man faces €18,000 bill to have seized car returned

A man whose car was seized by Gardai faces a bill of almost €18,000 to get the vehicle back.

Milan Grkinic appeared before Letterkenny District Court this week in a bid to have his car – which has been in storage for over a year and a half - returned.

Representing himself, Grkinic told Judge Éiteáin Cunningham that he wanted to 'explore the possibility to get it back if possible'.

Sergeant Jim Collins explained that the vehicle was seized in January 2022 by Garda Cassidy. At the time, Grkinic pleaded guilty to having no insurance and no driving licence.

The court heard that there is an initial cost of €125 with €35 added on each day thereafter. As the car has been in storage since January 2022, the cost has rocketed to between €17,500-€18,000.

Judge Cunningham asked Grkinic if he could discharge the fees.

“It is a substantial amount of money,” Grkinic said. “Since that time until now, we are struggling so I don't know how much I can afford. I would like to get it done today.”

Sergeant Collins said there would be no issue in returning the vehicle once the storage fees were paid.

Judge Cunningham explained to Grkinic that the Court's hands were tied in the matter and had no power to waive the fees.

The matter was adjourned until September 18 next to allow Grkinic liaise with the Superintendent's office.