Farmer can’t remember ‘Slab’ Murphy giving him money, court hears

A Co Meath farmer who rented land to prominent republican Thomas ‘Slab’ Murphy has told the Special Criminal Court in Dublin that he cannot remember the accused ever giving him money.

Mr Murphy is on trial for tax evasion.

It is the prosecution’s case that, although Mr Murphy conducted significant dealings in relation to land and cattle, he failed to make any returns to Revenue.

Mr Murphy (66), of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging 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 Criminal Assets Bureau.

Prosecution witness Brian Garvey told Paul Burns SC, prosecuting, that he rented land to Mr Murphy and his brothers. “I met the three of them and they were all involved,” he said.

He started renting to the brothers in 1997 or 1998, he told the court.

He also said that the rent was paid in cash and third-party cheques.

“I can’t remember Tom [the accused] ever handing me money,” he told the court.

The afternoon’s proceedings were taken up with legal argument.

The trial resumes on Tuesday.