Lowry bid to halt tax trial permitted

Independent TD Michael Lowry was yesterday granted permission by the High Court to bring a challenge aimed at preventing his trial before Dublin Circuit Court on alleged tax offences from going ahead.

Mr Justice Seamus Noonan said he was satisfied to grant the former communications minister permission to bring his challenge on all six grounds advanced. The judge said Mr Lowry, who was present in court, had made an arguable case as to why his upcoming trial should be halted.

The judge said the full hearing of the action should be expedited, and adjourned the matter for two weeks. The judge also placed a stay, pending further order of the court, on Mr Lowry’s trial from proceeding.