Courts / Dublin / Report
"Slab" Murphy's brother managed farming activities, tax trial told
Summary
During the second day of the Special Criminal Court hearing, Thomas "Slab" Murphy (66) pleaded not guilty to nine tax‑evasion charges covering 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution alleges that, although he was involved in cattle and land dealings and received farming grants, he failed to file income, profit or gain returns to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes. The defence, led by John Kearney QC, argues reasonable doubt exists over whether Thomas Murphy was the chargeable person. Kearney suggests his brother Patrick Murphy, who managed the cattle herd and farming activities, may have been the actual farmer and the one who applied for the herd number in 1991. He also questions whether Thomas Murphy lived in Ballybinaby, noting he was not present during the 2006 CAB search. The trial will resume on Tuesday for the defence's closing speech.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Slab" Murphy's brother managed farming activities, tax trial told. 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: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- March 2006 Incident
- 2015-12-03 Publication
Why: Mr Kearney suggested that Patrick Murphy applied for that herd number in order to split a bigger herd, "sidestep regulatory problems" and "maximise the take on whatever grants were available". CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: 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 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
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