Ireland Case No. 13502Possession of stolen property · Co. Galway
Book dealer acquitted over possession of stolen Heaney first editions
Alan Ladak, a 70-year-old book dealer from Loughrea, Co Galway, pleaded not guilty at Dublin District Court to possessing stolen property, namely two rare Seamus Heaney first editions. Judge Adrian Harris granted a dismissal and acquitted him, and he was also found not guilty of unlawful possession of a knife.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Acquitted9 Jun
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports10 statements extracted from the articles
- whereThe books had previously disappeared from Kenny's Bookshop in Galway. (rte.ie)
- whenLadak brought Shivers to the Temple Bar Bookshop on 6 October. (rte.ie)
- causeLadak said he bought each edition for about €40 from a bric-a-brac stall in Galway city. (rte.ie)
- investigationThe books were found after Ladak tried to sell them to the Temple Bar Bookshop in Dublin. (rte.ie)
- chargeLadak pleaded not guilty at Dublin District Court to possessing stolen property. (rte.ie)
- chargeLadak was found not guilty of unlawful possession of a knife he had on the date of his arrest. (rte.ie)
- courtJudge Adrian Harris granted a dismissal after accepting defence legal submissions. (rte.ie)
- sentenceLadak was acquitted and was not required to testify. (rte.ie)
- otherLadak denied knowing the books were stolen but admitted he was reckless. (rte.ie)
- otherThe stolen books were returned to Kenny's Bookshop and were sold. (rte.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 9 Jun2025Book dealer cleared of selling rare stolen Heaney books
Reports the acquittal of Alan Ladak at Dublin District Court after a dismissal, with the defence arguing hearsay evidence and the absence of the original books. Also reports a not guilty finding on a separate knife possession charge.
accused, Alan Ladak, 70, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Alan Ladak