DPP to challenge stay on Lowry case

The DPP is to challenge a stay imposed on criminal proceedings against former minister Michael Lowry for alleged tax offences.

Mr Lowry, aged 60, of Glenreigh, Holycross, Co Tipperary, is facing four charges that he allegedly filed incorrect tax returns in 2003 and 2007.

The Independent TD appeared initially before Thurles District Court last year, charged with three counts of knowingly filing incorrect tax returns on October 31, 2003, and one count of knowingly filing an incorrect tax return on August 3, 2007.

Last April, Judge Elizabeth MacGrath formally sent him forward for trial to Nenagh Circuit Criminal Court, on his own bail bond of €500. His trial was later transferred from Co Tipperary to Dublin on the application of the DPP.

Yesterday, the case was listed for mention at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the court heard that there will be an application by the DPP to lift the stay on the proceedings.

The challenge is aimed at preventing the trial set to be heard in the High Court in the coming weeks.

Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case to April 14 . Mr Lowry was excused from attending this court date. Eoin Hardiman, defending, asked that he also be excused from the next day.

Judge Nolan said that his presence might be needed if the stay is removed and that he should be in court.