Courts / Louth / Report

Closing speeches in trial of prominent republican on alleged tax charges

Summary

Closing speeches are currently being heard at the Special Criminal Court in the trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution, led by Paul Burns SC, contends that Murphy was a chargeable person who received income from cattle and land dealings and farming grants but made no returns to Revenue. Burns argued that the crux of the case is whether Murphy was entitled to receive this income, noting that funds were deposited into his bank account and used for a pension policy. He dismissed the defence suggestion of identity theft as a construct to evade evidence. In response, defence counsel John Kearney QC argued that Murphy's brother, Patrick Murphy, managed the cattle herd and farming activities. Kearney cited a 2009 statement of affairs in which Patrick Murphy admitted to being in charge of the herd. The defence also highlighted expert handwriting evidence suggesting documents bearing Thomas Murphy's signature were forged. Kearney further noted that no cattle dealing cheques appeared in Murphy's bank account for its first three years. The defence closing speech is expected to conclude tomorrow, with the matter remaining at the trial stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Closing speeches in trial of prominent republican on alleged tax charges. Charges or matters: nine charges alleging that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits or gains or the source of his income, profits or gains to the Collector General or the Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 2015-12-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Theft

Related court reports

• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• Legal first sees miscarriage of justice certificate for IRA membership conviction quashed
• Garda murderer Brady's 'contempt' for trial with secret recording lands him with increased sentence
• Lorry driver who imported €1m in cannabis jailed for five years
• Lithuanian man admits engaging in terrorist plot to attack mosque
• Aaron Connolly gets date for retrial on Cameron Reilly murder

Read the original CNI report