03/06/2009
Linfield Captain Bailed At Spanish Court
William 'Winkie' Murphy is to be released on bail from a Spanish prison after his appearance today in a Madrid court.
His arrest, last month in Torremolinos (Malaga), was linked with an incident in which Murphy was involved in 2007 during a stag party in Majorca.
He was detained then after allegedly being in possession of counterfeit euros.
Murphy was subscequently released on bail but he did not return to Spain from his Northern Ireland home to face charges.
After his unconnected return to Spain last month, to attend another such party, police arrested him after his passport was matched to a watchlist - even though he is said to have chosen to travel on an Irish passport on the most recent occasion.
The footballer will leave prison later today, pending a full court hearing within the next two months.
His current bail conditions state that he can only return to Belfast if the judge gives him express permission.
The judge at the Audiencia Nacional, Spain's national criminal court, said Murphy will have to report to the police every two weeks while on bail.
The footballer denied having committed any crime knowingly.
The accusation of bringing counterfeit money into Spain carries a minimum prison sentence of eight years.
See: Blue's Star 'Winkie' Still In Spanish Jail
(AC/BMcC)
His arrest, last month in Torremolinos (Malaga), was linked with an incident in which Murphy was involved in 2007 during a stag party in Majorca.
He was detained then after allegedly being in possession of counterfeit euros.
Murphy was subscequently released on bail but he did not return to Spain from his Northern Ireland home to face charges.
After his unconnected return to Spain last month, to attend another such party, police arrested him after his passport was matched to a watchlist - even though he is said to have chosen to travel on an Irish passport on the most recent occasion.
The footballer will leave prison later today, pending a full court hearing within the next two months.
His current bail conditions state that he can only return to Belfast if the judge gives him express permission.
The judge at the Audiencia Nacional, Spain's national criminal court, said Murphy will have to report to the police every two weeks while on bail.
The footballer denied having committed any crime knowingly.
The accusation of bringing counterfeit money into Spain carries a minimum prison sentence of eight years.
See: Blue's Star 'Winkie' Still In Spanish Jail
(AC/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 November 2007
Murphy Bailed On Tax Charges
One of the border area's most high profile republicans has been in court today to face charges related to alleged tax fraud. Detectives from the Irish Republic's Criminal Assets Bureau arrested the alleged former IRA chief of staff Thomas "Slab" Murphy at his home.
Murphy Bailed On Tax Charges
One of the border area's most high profile republicans has been in court today to face charges related to alleged tax fraud. Detectives from the Irish Republic's Criminal Assets Bureau arrested the alleged former IRA chief of staff Thomas "Slab" Murphy at his home.
31 July 2009
'Winkie' Home Free
A leading NI soccer player has been cleared of being involved in a counterfeit money scam in Spain. Despite a period of detention in two Spanish jails earlier this year, all charges against Linfield footballer William (Winkie) Murphy have been dropped. He had been accused of passing counterfeit money in Spain and had been on bail.
'Winkie' Home Free
A leading NI soccer player has been cleared of being involved in a counterfeit money scam in Spain. Despite a period of detention in two Spanish jails earlier this year, all charges against Linfield footballer William (Winkie) Murphy have been dropped. He had been accused of passing counterfeit money in Spain and had been on bail.
27 May 2009
Blues Captain Now Charged Over Counterfeit Allegations
A top Northern Ireland footballer is today facing a possible eight year sentence in a Spanish jail. It has emerged that the captain of Linfield football club, William 'Winkie' Murphy, has been charged with passing counterfeit bank notes in Spain.
Blues Captain Now Charged Over Counterfeit Allegations
A top Northern Ireland footballer is today facing a possible eight year sentence in a Spanish jail. It has emerged that the captain of Linfield football club, William 'Winkie' Murphy, has been charged with passing counterfeit bank notes in Spain.
26 June 2009
'Winkie' Flys Home From Spanish Jail
Blues captain, William 'Winkie' Murphy has returned to Northern Ireland following his arrest and temporary imprisonment in Spain on counterfeit money charges. The Linfield player was held as he attended a stag party in Torremolinos last month to face earlier charges of introducing counterfeit bank notes into the country.
'Winkie' Flys Home From Spanish Jail
Blues captain, William 'Winkie' Murphy has returned to Northern Ireland following his arrest and temporary imprisonment in Spain on counterfeit money charges. The Linfield player was held as he attended a stag party in Torremolinos last month to face earlier charges of introducing counterfeit bank notes into the country.
21 May 2009
Blue's Star 'Winkie' Still In Spanish Jail
Linfield captain William Murphy is still under arrest in Spain. The 35-year-old centre half, nicknamed 'Winkie', was arrested in Torremolinos (Málaga) on Friday night. His detention seems to be linked with an incident in which Murphy was involved in 2007 during a stag party in Majorca.
Blue's Star 'Winkie' Still In Spanish Jail
Linfield captain William Murphy is still under arrest in Spain. The 35-year-old centre half, nicknamed 'Winkie', was arrested in Torremolinos (Málaga) on Friday night. His detention seems to be linked with an incident in which Murphy was involved in 2007 during a stag party in Majorca.