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Drug dealer claimed he had €40k in bank account from "nixers"
Summary
Michael Byrne, a 46‑year‑old convicted drug dealer, lost an appeal against a confiscation order. He had claimed €40,000 in bank accounts from "nixers" while working as a tiler. In March 2010 he was sentenced to 17 years after packages of diamorphine worth about €6 million were found in a van. The Director of Public Prosecutions sought to confiscate the €40,253 in his accounts. A forensic accountant testified that Byrne's declared income was about €43,000 net and he spent about €188,000 net during the period in question. Judge Tony Hunt ordered the confiscation on 31 July 2012. Byrne appealed, arguing the judge had admitted a statement lacking evidential value. The Court of Appeal, led by Justice George Birmingham, rejected the appeal, upheld the confiscation order, and affirmed that the funds were likely proceeds of "nixers" or drug trafficking, with no credible alternative explanation provided.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drug dealer claimed he had €40k in bank account from "nixers". Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- March 2010 Other
- July 31, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-07-22 Publication
Places mentioned
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