Ireland Treasure hunter loses appeal against conviction, fine cut to €300 in Dundalk
A medieval horse harness part was discovered on 4 April 2019 during a search of the home of Kaspars Salmins, with an address at College Manor, Dundalk, County Louth. The investigation began after the object was posted on Facebook and YouTube and Dundalk Garda Station was contacted. Salmins was convicted under the National Monuments Act and originally fined €1,000 at Dundalk District Court. He lost his appeal against conviction at Dundalk Circuit Court, where the judge affirmed the conviction and reduced the fine to €300, as reported on 22 May 2024.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced22 May
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Kaspars Salmins was convicted under the National Monuments Act over part of a medieval horse harness found during a search of his home.
- Where
- The object was found during a search of Salmins's home, which has an address at College Manor, Dundalk, County Louth.
- When
- The archaeological object was discovered on 4 April 2019.
- Investigation
- The investigation began after the object was posted on Facebook and YouTube and Dundalk Garda Station was contacted.
- Sgt. Alan Connell gave evidence that a metal ring of a horse harness strap distributor was found when he searched the home under warrant.
- Charges
- Salmins was convicted of a breach of the National Monuments Act relating to an archaeological object.
- In court
- Salmins was originally fined €1,000 at Dundalk District Court.
- Salmins lost his appeal against conviction at Dundalk Circuit Court, as reported on 22 May 2024.
- The defence sought a not guilty direction, arguing the search was unlawful because the warrant did not refer to an authorised officer accompanying gardaí.
- Sentence
- The judge affirmed the conviction and reduced the fine from €1,000 to €300.
- Other details
- Salmins claimed the object was found in Northern Ireland and denied ever metal detecting in the Republic.
8 statements extracted from the articles
- whatKaspars Salmins was convicted under the National Monuments Act over part of a medieval horse harness found during a search of his home. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- whenThe archaeological object was discovered on 4 April 2019. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- investigationThe investigation began after the object was posted on Facebook and YouTube, and Dundalk Garda Station was contacted. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- courtSalmins lost his appeal against his conviction at Dundalk Circuit Court. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- courtThe defence sought a not guilty direction, arguing the search was unlawful because the warrant did not refer to an authorised officer accompanying gardaí. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- sentenceHe was originally fined €1,000 at Dundalk District Court. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- sentenceThe judge affirmed the conviction and reduced the fine to €300. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
- otherSalmins claimed the object was found in Northern Ireland and denied ever metal detecting in the Republic. (dundalkdemocrat.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 22 May2024Dundalk Court: Treasure hunter loses appeal against conviction
Reports the Circuit Court appeal outcome: conviction affirmed and fine reduced from €1,000 to €300. Gives the defence argument that the search was unlawful and the claim that the object was found in Northern Ireland.
convicted, Kaspars Salmins, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Kaspars Salmins