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Slab Murphy jailed for 18 months on tax evasion charges

Summary

Thomas "Slab" Murphy, a prominent republican farmer and cattle dealer, was sentenced by the Special Criminal Court to 18 months' imprisonment for nine tax‑evasion charges covering 1996‑2004. The court found he failed to file returns for farming income, profits or gains, and that he owed Revenue approximately €190,000. The judge noted the case was tried as a farmer and cattle dealer, that publicity did not influence the decision, and that mitigating factors included Murphy's age, lack of prior convictions, and his current employment as a yards man. Murphy, through his solicitor, maintains his innocence and has instructed his legal team to appeal. No fine or suspended sentence was imposed, and the nine concurrent sentences run from the hearing date. The court considered the case's evidence, including seized documents, cash, and un‑cashed cheques, and the fact that Murphy had no assets. The decision was made after a 32‑day trial. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Slab Murphy jailed for 18 months on tax evasion charges. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• March 2006 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 15th Hearing Or Sentence
• February 12th Hearing Or Sentence
• 1996 to 2004 Other
• 2016-02-26 Publication

Why: Mr Justice Butler said that the court was not punishing Murphy because he had denied the charges but that, if he had pleaded guilty, that would have been a significant mitigating factor. CNI source report

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Read the original CNI report