The jury in a case against a Glenealy based tax consultant was discharged at Wicklow Circuit Court yesterday, after the sitting judge described a report printed in The Irish Times concerning the trial as being inaccurate and prejudicial.

Paula Conroy, of Glenealy, Co Wicklow, is charged with seven counts of knowingly or willfully delivering on incorrect returns contrary to the Tax Consolidation Act. The first six returns were allegedly made on October 30th, 2002, and were applicable for the period between September 2001 and August 2002.

The seventh return was allegedly made on November 13th, 2002, and was for the period September/October 2002. At the time, she was working for Big Picture Software Ltd. She pleaded not guilty before the court on Tuesday.

Yesterday's proceedings opened with defence barrister Roger Sweetman making an application to Judge Patrick McCartan to discharge the jury during legal argument in their absence. Judge McCartan, upon the jury's return, said that the trial had come to an "abrupt end" and that the jurors would be discharged from any further involvement.

He made reference to the report of the previous day's court proceedings in The Irish Times, referring to it as "entirely inaccurate" and "prejudicial", making particular reference to the first paragraph and headline.

"If there is a risk of an injustice being done, it is better that the trial will not proceed," he said, before discharging the jurors.

Mr Sweetman said his client was not operating under the legal aid scheme and that in respect of her costs, a "further injustice has been suffered". He said he would be urging her to write to The Irish Times.

Prosecuting counsel Paul Murray said he was putting it on record that he reserves the right to bring an application against the reporter, his editor Geraldine Kennedy, and The Irish Times if so directed by the DPP.

Judge McCartan made no order as to costs.

The trial will be held before a different jury in March of next year.