Disgraced Burke on falsified tax charges

DISGRACED former Fianna Fáil Justice Minister Ray Burke, who sold his house for almost €4 million in 2000 and received corrupt payments totalling at least £250,000 in the 1980s, will be seeking free legal aid to fight tax charges brought against him yesterday.

Mr Burke could face between 12 months and eight years imprisonment if convicted on the charge of knowingly making a false declaration when availing of the 1993 tax amnesty.

He now claims to be in financial difficulty. He was served with a €2m tax bill by the CAB less than a fortnight ago.