Livestock dealer in court on animal smuggling charges

A Co Offaly livestock dealer has appeared at Dublin District Court charged with illegally importing animals into the State from the UK.

John Walsh from Clareen, Birr, is also charged with ten tax offences, nine of making incorrect tax returns and one of failing to make tax returns on dates between 1991 and 2001.

Gardai said they would be objecting to bail as Mr Walsh lives outside the State and there is evidence that he was in an advanced state of moving to Scotland.

Bail is due to be dealt with at 2pm in an in camera sitting.