Courts / Dublin / Report

Slab Murphy to be sentenced on General Election day

Date
2016-02-14
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the sentencing of Thomas Murphy until February 26th, General Election day. Murphy was found guilty of nine charges of failing to furnish tax returns for the years 1996/97 to 2004. During the hearing, the court heard that Murphy owes Revenue approximately €190,000 in unpaid taxes related to his farming business on the border with Northern Ireland. Prosecuting counsel Paul Burns presented a representative sample of sentences for similar offences, noting that Murphy has made no restitution. Defence counsel John Kearney QC argued that the case involved blurred lines regarding the family unit and that the estimated tax loss figures were based on general estimates rather than specific facts. Kearney also highlighted that Murphy is currently employed as a yards man in Crossmaglen, earning €1,055 per month. Presiding Judge Paul Butler, sitting with Judges John O'Hagan and Anne Ryan, remanded Murphy on continuing bail until the adjourned date. The matter was not concluded at this stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Slab Murphy to be sentenced on General Election day. Charges or matters: nine charges of failing 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: sentence. Findings: Found guilty

When:

Why: Mr Burns then provided the three judges with relevant case law in order to assist in sentencing Murphy. CNI source report

Case subjects

Thomas Murphy

Convicted Person

Charges: nine charges of failing 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 (Proven)

Finding: Found guilty

Outcome: Found guilty; During today's sentence hearing, the Special Criminal Court heard that Murphy owes Revenue almost €190,000 in unpaid taxes for his farming business on the border with Northern Ireland. Mr Burns also provided the court with a representative sample of sentences imposed for the type of charge of which Murphy is convicted.; Photo: Collins) The sentencing of prominent republican Thomas "Slab" Murphy for tax evasion has been adjourned until General Election day, February 26th.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Special Criminal Court
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Sentence

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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