Lowry to contest three added incorrect tax return charges

Michael Lowry says he intends to contest new charges lodged against him in court in Thurles, Co. Tipperary today.

He is facing three new charges of allegedly filing incorrect tax returns.

The Independent TD of Glenreigh, Holycross in Co Tipperary, was not in Thurles District Court earlier when the case against him was mentioned, but he was represented by a solicitor.

In a statement, the former Minister says his financial and legal advisors have told him his tax affairs were in order and compliant.

The former Fine Gael minister was initially charged in December with knowingly filing an incorrect tax return on October 21, 2003, but three more charges have since been added.

Two of those also relate to the alleged filing of incorrect tax returns on October 21, 2003, while the third alleges that he knowingly filed an incorrect return on August 3, 2007.

The court heard that the case will be dealt with by way of trial on indictment.

Judge Elizabeth MacGrath adjourned the matter until February 4 to allow for the completion of the book of evidence.