Menu
26/02/2016
Thomas 'Slab' Murphy Sentenced To 18 Months For Tax Evasion
A former IRA commander has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for tax evasion.
Thomas 'Slab' Murphy was sentenced at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Friday.
In December last year, Mr Murphy was convicted of nine charges of tax evasion.
Mr Murphy, 66, from Ballybinaby in Co Louth denied the charges.
In a statement via his solicitor, Mr Murphy said he maintains his innocence has instructed his legal team to "pursue an appeal immediately".
The Ulster Unionist Party's Justice spokesperson, Danny Kennedy MLA, has welcomed the sentence.
He said: "For many years Thomas Murphy was alleged to be one of the most senior and powerful figures within the Provisional IRA. Now there is a criminal conviction against his name and he will be required to serve a prison sentence.
"Many people may feel that sentence is relatively light but it is welcome nonetheless, given the long-standing and widespread concerns about levels of criminality along the border, much of which involves the evasion of taxes and duty to be paid.
"Given the high profile nature of Thomas Murphy, many people will be hoping that his arrest, trial and conviction are a signal that the no-one is beyond the law and that the political will is now there to provide the police and justice systems on both sides of the border with the resources they require to instigate a meaningful crack down on criminality in the border area."
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said: "The support and acceptance of the independent judiciary is a keystone of democracy and the rule of law and all parties must accept today's sentencing from the court.
"It is not acceptable for some to seek to give Mr Murphy, a convicted criminal, political cover. It's also inaccurate to describe him as a 'good republican'. Depriving the Irish state of tax revenue to fund hospitals, schools or jobs is not a republican value. A good republican lives up to their obligations to others, they do not seek to evade their responsibilities in the pursuit of personal greed."
(CD/MH)
Thomas 'Slab' Murphy was sentenced at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Friday.
In December last year, Mr Murphy was convicted of nine charges of tax evasion.
Mr Murphy, 66, from Ballybinaby in Co Louth denied the charges.
In a statement via his solicitor, Mr Murphy said he maintains his innocence has instructed his legal team to "pursue an appeal immediately".
The Ulster Unionist Party's Justice spokesperson, Danny Kennedy MLA, has welcomed the sentence.
He said: "For many years Thomas Murphy was alleged to be one of the most senior and powerful figures within the Provisional IRA. Now there is a criminal conviction against his name and he will be required to serve a prison sentence.
"Many people may feel that sentence is relatively light but it is welcome nonetheless, given the long-standing and widespread concerns about levels of criminality along the border, much of which involves the evasion of taxes and duty to be paid.
"Given the high profile nature of Thomas Murphy, many people will be hoping that his arrest, trial and conviction are a signal that the no-one is beyond the law and that the political will is now there to provide the police and justice systems on both sides of the border with the resources they require to instigate a meaningful crack down on criminality in the border area."
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said: "The support and acceptance of the independent judiciary is a keystone of democracy and the rule of law and all parties must accept today's sentencing from the court.
"It is not acceptable for some to seek to give Mr Murphy, a convicted criminal, political cover. It's also inaccurate to describe him as a 'good republican'. Depriving the Irish state of tax revenue to fund hospitals, schools or jobs is not a republican value. A good republican lives up to their obligations to others, they do not seek to evade their responsibilities in the pursuit of personal greed."
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 October 2024
100 Days Left To File Your Self Assessment Tax Return
The clock is ticking for taxpayers who file Self Assessments. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding everyone that they have just 100 days left to submit their return and settle any tax owed before the January 31st deadline. For those who haven't started yet, HMRC offers a wealth of information and guidance on GOV.
100 Days Left To File Your Self Assessment Tax Return
The clock is ticking for taxpayers who file Self Assessments. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding everyone that they have just 100 days left to submit their return and settle any tax owed before the January 31st deadline. For those who haven't started yet, HMRC offers a wealth of information and guidance on GOV.
23 January 2024
HMRC Issues Self Assessment 31 January Deadline Reminder
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has urged the 3.8 million people yet to file their Self Assessment tax return are urged to "act now or risk facing a £100 penalty". HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is expecting more than 12.1 million tax returns to be filed for the 2022 to 2023 tax year along with any payment that is owed. To date more than 8.
HMRC Issues Self Assessment 31 January Deadline Reminder
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has urged the 3.8 million people yet to file their Self Assessment tax return are urged to "act now or risk facing a £100 penalty". HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is expecting more than 12.1 million tax returns to be filed for the 2022 to 2023 tax year along with any payment that is owed. To date more than 8.
23 October 2023
Just 100 Days Left To Submit Self Assessment Tax Returns
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder to Self Assessment customers that there is now just 100 days left to submit a tax return by the deadline of 31 January 2024. And with the clock ticking down, customers can find various types of help from webinars to step by step guides at the click of a mouse.
Just 100 Days Left To Submit Self Assessment Tax Returns
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a reminder to Self Assessment customers that there is now just 100 days left to submit a tax return by the deadline of 31 January 2024. And with the clock ticking down, customers can find various types of help from webinars to step by step guides at the click of a mouse.
08 July 2015
SDLP Hits Out At Chancellor Over Cut In Working Tax Credits
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has been slammed for targeting lone parents after he announced a cut in Working Tax Credits. SDLP Enterprise spokesperson Patsy McGlone MLA said George Osborne issued a "Budget against working people".
SDLP Hits Out At Chancellor Over Cut In Working Tax Credits
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has been slammed for targeting lone parents after he announced a cut in Working Tax Credits. SDLP Enterprise spokesperson Patsy McGlone MLA said George Osborne issued a "Budget against working people".
30 April 2012
Cochrane Concerned For Impact On Charities
Alliance Finance Spokesperson Judith Cochrane MLA has expressed concern on the impact on charities from the Treasury's proposals for reducing tax relief for donations to a charity. Her comments were made during an Assembly debate on this issue.
Cochrane Concerned For Impact On Charities
Alliance Finance Spokesperson Judith Cochrane MLA has expressed concern on the impact on charities from the Treasury's proposals for reducing tax relief for donations to a charity. Her comments were made during an Assembly debate on this issue.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
