A man was given a two-year suspended prison sentence today for his involvement in an illegal vodka distilling factory in Co Louth.
Brian Smyth (62) from Millgrange, Greenore was arrested by customs officials during a raid on a shed in Castletowncooley near the Border three years ago.
The shed contained enough illegal vodka to fill five thousand standard bottles. At Dundalk Circuit Criminal court today, Smyth, a former publican, admitted a single charge of dealing with excisable product contrary to section 113 of the Finance Act.
Smyth told the investigating officer at the time that the shed was leased to two men with "northern accents".
The court heard that the entire value of the alcohol seized including VAT and excise duty was €65,767.
Passing sentence, Judge O'Shea said Smyth "was involved in doing the dirty work of the production for two men with Northern Ireland accents who leased the shed".
He said Smyth was not involved for major gain and said it was "unfortunate" that "the untouchables" who up the operation were not there when it was raided.
He imposed a two year jail term but suspended it on Smyth entering into a bond to be of good behaviour for three years.