Courts / Louth / Report
Court upholds "Slab" Murphy's conviction for tax evasion
Summary
The Court of Appeal dismissed Thomas "Slab" Murphy's appeal against his conviction for tax evasion. Murphy, 67, had been found guilty by the Special Criminal Court on nine counts of failing to comply with tax laws for the period 1996/97 to 2004, and was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment. His defence argued that he had no involvement in cattle farming and that documents in his name were forged by his brother, Patrick. The Court of Appeal, after reviewing the 94‑page judgment, concluded that the Special Criminal Court had correctly established Murphy as a chargeable person and that the evidence of a herd number, bank account, and cattle sales supported the prosecution's case. The appeal was dismissed on all grounds, and the matter was scheduled for further consideration regarding a possible appeal against the sentence. The unnamed 67-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Court upholds "Slab" Murphy's conviction for tax evasion. 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
- 2017-01-30 Publication
Why: Counsel for Murphy, John Kearney QC, submitted that the trial court had to have reasonable doubt because of the documentary material they put forward and their "hypothesis" which placed Patrick Murphy as the "mastermind behind the entire affair". CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: nine charges of failing to comply with tax laws in the Irish Republic for the years 1996/97 to 2004 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: The three-judge Special Criminal Court found Murphy guilty on all counts and he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment on February 26 last.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Special Criminal Court
Topics
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