‘Slab’ Murphy trial hears cash and cheques found in search

The trial at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin of prominent republican Thomas "Slab" Murphy for alleged tax evasion has heard that members of the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) found cash and cheques in a shed during a search in his local area in Co Louth.

The prosecution’s case against Mr Murphy is that, although he conducted significant dealings in relation to cattle and land, and received farming grants from the Department of Agriculture, he failed to make any returns to Revenue.

Mr Murphy (66), of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges that he failed to furnish a return of his income, profits or gains or the source of his income, profits or gains to the Collector General or the Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004.

Mr Murphy is being prosecuted on foot of an investigation by the CAB.

Garda statement

A statement made by Det Sgt Tony Grady was read to the court by prosecuting counsel Paul Burns SC on Tuesday morning.

The non-jury court heard that, on March 9th, 2006, members of CAB searched a shed in Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, and found three black plastic bags and one case.

Cash, cheques and documentation related to the oil industry and to farming and livestock were found in the bags and case, the statement said.

The trial continues.