'IRA chief' back in court on tax charges

Alleged former IRA chief Thomas “Slab” Murphy made his second appearance in court on tax evasion charges today.

The 58-year-old millionaire, from Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, on the Louth/Armagh border, was released on strict bail conditions last week after facing nine charges of failing to file tax returns.

Judge Flan Brennan at Dundalk District Court, Co Louth, remanded Murphy to appear again on December 12.

Before Ardee District Court last Thursday, Murphy was released on his own bail of €20,000 and two independent sureties of €50,000.

He was also ordered to surrender his passport, sign on daily at Dundalk garda station and live at an address in Co Monaghan.

The State requested today that Murphy, who sat in court dressed in a blue jacket and cream trousers, be remanded for four weeks on the same bail conditions.

There was no objection from defence solicitor Paul Tiernan.

Mr Tiernan asked that the book of evidence against his client be ready at the December hearing.

Mr Murphy left court by taxi.

Officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) arrested Murphy last Wednesday night at an address in Castletown Road, Dundalk.

Detective Inspector Kevin Ring of CAB told Judge Brennan in Ardee Court on Thursday that Murphy was charged under the Tax Consolidation Act.

Murphy made a full statement of denial at Drogheda garda station, Mr Tiernan said.

He described his client as a 58-year-old bachelor with no previous convictions.

Murphy – who unsuccessfully sued the Sunday Times after it claimed he was an IRA leader – claimed to suffer ill-health when in custody.

But doctors who examined him at both Drogheda garda station and the local hospital believed he was feigning illness, Mr Ring said.

Murphy signed himself out of hospital against doctors’ orders and returned under Garda escort to the station, where he was officially charged.

Unlike last week’s hearing, which saw armed gardaí patrolling the courthouse in Ardee, there was little police presence today.