Independent TD Lowry to appear in court

Independent TD Michael Lowry will be in Thurles district court this afternoon when he will be personally served with the Book of Evidence in relation to allegations that he knowingly filed incorrect tax returns.

Former Fine Gael minister Mr Lowry (60) of Glenreigh, Holycross, Co Tipperary, is charged with three counts of knowingly filing incorrect tax returns on October 31st, 2003. He is also charged with one count of knowingly filing an incorrect tax return on August 3rd, 2007.

He was initially charged in December and the case was mentioned for the fifth time at Thurles District Court earlier today. Several boxes of evidence were brought into court by staff from the state solicitor's office.

State solicitor Gerard O'Brien told the court the state was ready to serve the Book of Evidence on Mr Lowry's solicitor.

Judge Elizabeth MacGrath asked if the Book needed to be served on Mr Lowry himself and Mr O'Brien said it could be done on the accused's solicitor.

Michael Collins, solicitor for Michael Lowry, said his client will be in court later today.

Judge McGrath said: "I want the book to be served personally on the accused." She adjourned the case until 2.30pm.