Client persuaded solicitor to try to defraud Revenue

A solicitor tried to defraud Revenue by underpaying €147,000 stamp duty due on a property transaction because a client persuaded him to do so, the High Court has heard.

It was not the first time Raymond St John O’Neill, aged 61, of Raymond St J O’Neill & Co, Washington St, Cork, had done this and he had only just promised a Law Society Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal that it would not happen again, the court also heard.

However, within a few months, he did it again when another client persuaded him to update a property deed — effectively cutting the stamp duty tax bill by €147,000, the court was told.