Courts / Monaghan / Report
Armagh man caught trying to launder diesel in garda raid
Summary
Paul Haughey, a 36-year-old father-of-five from Keady, Co Armagh, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of attempting to remove markers from gas oil without the consent of the Revenue Commissioners on September 1, 2011. Prosecutors stated that markers differentiate diesel from mineral oil, noting the significant tax disparity between the two fuels at the time. Detective Garda Paul Kane testified that Haughey was observed entering a property near Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, with another man to launder diesel before armed gardaí and customs officials raided the site. Over 13,000 litres of laundered diesel were discovered, and Haughey was stopped by an armed garda as he attempted to flee. Defending counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that Haughey played a minor role, cooperated fully with gardaí, and suffered from severe depression, requesting a non-custodial sentence such as community service. He also highlighted that the case had been delayed for five years. Judge Melanie Greally described the offence as one requiring a serious sanction to deter similar behavior. She ordered a community services report and adjourned the matter for sentencing on December 19.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Armagh man caught trying to launder diesel in garda raid. Charges or matters: one count of attempting to remove markers from gas oil without the consent of the Revenue Commissioners on September 1, 2011. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 1, 2011 Incident
- September 2011 Incident
- December 19 Adjournment
- 2016-10-25 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of attempting to remove markers from gas oil without the consent of the Revenue Commissioners on September 1, 2011 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr O'Higgins asked Judge Melanie Greally to consider a non-custodial sentence and to consider a penalty of community service instead.; She ordered a community services report and adjourned the matter for sentencing on December 19.
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