Revenue seeking ‘pound of flesh’ in cigarette duty case

A solicitor representing a junior minister’s brother facing a charge of failing to declare €400 of cigarettes he had for sale in his shop yesterday queried why the Revenue Commissioners were seeking “a pound of flesh”.

John Daly, of the Paddock, Drinagh, Co Cork, had previously pleaded guilty to having the tobacco products for sale or delivery without having paid the required duty. Revenue sought a conviction but Judge Mary Dorgan asked Revenue to reconsider in light of Mr Daly’s “impeccable character”.

A search of the store had led to 680 cigarettes being discovered, as well as 0.3kg of tobacco. The defendant is a brother of Minister of State Jim Daly, the Cork South West TD.