Courts / Louth / Report

"Slab" Murphy had nothing to do with cattle farming, appeal lawyers argue

Summary

Thomas "Slab" Murphy, 67, appealed a conviction for tax evasion related to a cattle farm at Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co. Louth. He had pleaded not guilty to nine charges covering 1996/97 to 2004. The Special Criminal Court found him guilty on all counts and sentenced him to 18 months' imprisonment. In the appeal, his barrister John Kearney QC argued that Murphy's brother, Patrick, had controlled the farm since before 1991 and that the authorities had targeted Thomas for tax that Patrick had already paid. Kearney cited documents and banking evidence suggesting Patrick operated the farm and the accounts, and that Thomas had no involvement in cattle farming. He presented 48 grounds of appeal, and the Court of Appeal hearing was scheduled to conclude the following day.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Slab" Murphy had nothing to do with cattle farming, appeal lawyers argue. Charges or matters: nine charges of failing to comply with tax laws in the Irish Republic for the years 1996/97 to 2004. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• February 26 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2016-11-09 Publication

Why: Patrick Murphy was no stranger to the Dundalk bank branch in question because he had another account there and there was no evidence Thomas Murphy ever set foot in that branch. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report