A CO Laois farmer who repaid €71,122 after filing incorrect VAT returns has been given an 11-month suspended sentence at Portlaoise District Court.

Patrick Danagher, The Derries, Errill, Portlaoise, Co Laois, admitted to six counts of knowingly or wilfully sending incorrect VAT returns between 2004 and 2006.

Revenue inspector Aidan Murphy said the defendant had filed the returns between March 2004 and June 2006. The man was registered as a sole trader, farmer and agricultural contractor.

According to Mr Murphy, Danagher had exaggerated VAT claims on machinery and failed to pay VAT on livestock sales. The loss to the Revenue amounted to €61,563, he said. The monies owed along with interest were calculated at €71,122, a sum which has since been paid by the defendant, Mr Murphy explained.