Irish ‘kidnap victim’ in custody after arrest

AN Irish property developer who was allegedly kidnapped for eight months remains in custody today on suspicion of wasting police time.

Kevin McGeever was emaciated and disorientated when found wandering barefoot on the side of the road near the Cavan-Leitrim border on January 29 this year.

The 68-year-old former tycoon was arrested at his Craughwell home in Co Galway yesterday and held under Section Four of the Criminal Justice Act 1994, which contains provisions for wasting garda time and making false allegations.

He can be questioned at Gort Garda Station for 24 hours, excluding rest times, and can be released or charged later today.

Mr McGeever, who is originally from Swinford, Co Mayo, had a long beard, hair and nails and was treated for malnutrition when he was found by a motorist in a dishevelled state.

He had lost about five stone and claimed he was abducted at gunpoint from his gated mansion on May 17 last year.

He had been reported missing by his partner last June.

A garda spokesman confirmed a 68-year-old man had been arrested in relation to the ongoing investigation into the abduction.