A man accused of animal smuggling has been refused bail after Dublin District Court was told he had "every good reason to abscond".
Mr John Walsh, a livestock dealer, faces four charges of sheep smuggling and 10 charges related to tax returns. Tax assessments showed he owed £700,000, the court was told yesterday.
"If the accused absconds that tax could not be collected. He has every good reason to abscond, he has no address here in this jurisdiction," Det Inspt John McDermott said.
Mr Walsh, who has been living in Carlisle, England, since February 22nd, decided to return to the Republic after reading about appeals for information on smuggling, he told the court.
He met two detectives last week and took a plane to Dublin Airport on Wednesday evening. He was charged yesterday before his court appearance.
Appealing for bail, he assured Judge David Anderson he would not leave the jurisdiction as he wanted to sort out the sale of his property in Co Offaly worth £600,000. He had also voluntarily chosen to return to the Republic and assist the Garda.
Mr Walsh's sale of his property was part of his move from the Republic to Scotland which was at an advanced stage, Det Sgt John Colgan said.
Mr Walsh gave evidence that he was divorced, his children were living abroad, he had no residence and his business was failing.
Judge Anderson refused bail on the grounds that "he has no ties, no family, no business, no residence". Mr Walsh will appear in court again next week.