Courts / Louth / Report
Non-jury court reserves judgement in trial of "Slab" Murphy for alleged tax evasion
Summary
The Special Criminal Court has reserved judgment in the trial of Thomas Murphy, 66, of Ballybinaby, Co Louth, who is charged with alleged tax evasion. Mr Murphy, who pleaded not guilty to nine charges, is accused of failing to furnish returns of income, profits, or gains to the Collector General or Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004. The prosecution, acting on a Criminal Assets Bureau investigation, alleges that despite conducting significant cattle and land dealings and receiving farming grants, he made no tax returns. In his closing speech, defence counsel John Kearney QC argued that reasonable doubt exists regarding who was the chargeable person, asserting that Mr Murphy's brother, Patrick, managed the farming activities. Kearney criticised the Revenue Officer's evidence as a superficial, face-value analysis that presumed Thomas Murphy signed documents without considering the alternate theory of Patrick Murphy's involvement. The defence also cited handwriting expert evidence suggesting Thomas Murphy did not sign certain documents. Presiding Judge Paul Butler, alongside Judges John O'Hagan and Ann Ryan, indicated the court may deliver its verdict on December 17th, though he noted it was not certain. Mr Justice Butler remanded Mr Murphy on continuing bail until that date.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Non-jury court reserves judgement in trial of "Slab" Murphy for alleged tax evasion. 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:
- December 17th Adjournment
- 1996 to 2004 Other
- 2015-12-09 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
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
Outcome: Mr Justice Butler remanded Mr Murphy on continuing bail until December 17th.
Places mentioned
- Special Criminal Court
Topics
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