Courts / Dublin / Report
61-year-old jailed for selling on illegal cigarettes
Summary
A 61‑year‑old man named David Clarke was sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment after the court found he had evaded excise duty on 74,148 cigarettes and 141 kg of tobacco, which he claimed he was selling to traders. The products were seized from his home and a shed at a second house he rented on St Attracta Road, Cabra, Dublin 7. Clarke admitted sourcing the goods but did not identify the supplier. He pleaded guilty to evading excise duty and to a fine cut for the rolling of cigarettes with intent to defraud the State on 5 September 2022. The State suffered a loss of €121,565, and €65,000 was found during the search, though no application had been made for that cash. Clarke has prior minor road‑traffic convictions. He is a retired newsagent, a carer for his 87‑year‑old mother, and volunteers with Vision Ireland and a local soccer club.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 61-year-old jailed for selling on illegal cigarettes. Charges or matters: evading excise duty on cigarettes and fine cut tobacco for the rolling of cigarettes with the intent to defraud the State on September 5, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 5, 2022 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-03-06 Publication
Why: The court heard that the exchequer was at a total loss of €121,565 because David Clarke had not paid any tax or excise duties on the products, which included 74,148 cigarettes and 141kg of tobacco. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: evading excise duty on cigarettes and fine cut tobacco for the rolling of cigarettes with the intent to defraud the State on September 5, 2022 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A 61-year-old man who was caught with a large haul of cigarettes and tobacco which he claimed he was selling onto traders has been jailed for 16 months.
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