2022-12-19 · Dublin
No jail for man who evaded duty on over €100k worth of tobacco
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 19 December 2022, 66‑year‑old Francis Burke of Cabra Park pleaded guilty to possession of and evasion of excise duty on cigarettes and tobacco seized from his home on 19 February 2021. Customs and excise officers had found 142,560 cigarettes and 24.6 kg of tobacco, worth €116,075, without tax stamps, amounting to €91,484 in unpaid excise duty. Burke, who described himself as having a drinking problem and living in modest circumstances, had no prior convictions. Judge Pauline Codd noted the significant revenue loss but also considered his financial hardship, heavy drinking, and engagement with the Peter McVerry Trust. She imposed a three‑year sentence, suspended in full on strict conditions, and did not order custodial imprisonment. The case highlighted the court's balancing of fiscal loss against the defendant's personal circumstances.