A crane operator who found €50,000 stuffed into a preserving bottle has been finally told by the public prosecutor he can keep the cash.

The justice ministry had claimed the money but was told by a court in April that it should be handed over to the finder.

The court ruled that there is insufficient evidence to show the money is the proceeds of crime. In addition, despite intensive efforts to find its owner, no one has been traced. The cash should therefore go to the finder, the court said.

The department said on Thursday it is convinced the cash comes from crime, which means it should be confiscated, but has decided not to appeal against the court ruling.