Court gives car dealer last chance

A CAR dealer whose imprisonment was ordered this week over continuing contempt of court orders successfully appealed yesterday for one last chance to fully co-operate with the Revenue in its efforts to execute a €4.75 million judgment order against him.

John Kane, also known as Alex Kane, of Granard, Co Longford, told Mr Justice Peter Kelly yesterday he is experiencing sleepless nights trying to meet the Revenue’s requirements but could do so if he was given a bit more time.

Mr Kane also said he did not realise he was required to attend court on Monday when the judge was dealing with the proceedings.

He rushed to Dublin arriving just after the court had concluded.

Gary McCarthy, for the Revenue, said Mr Kane was continuing to trade, ignoring the court’s orders and the requests of the Revenue and it just did not accept he was being truthful. Mr Kane had deliberately concealed matters from the Revenue and the receiver appointed over his business.

Mr Justice Kelly had, on Monday, ruled the Revenue was entitled to have Mr Kane jailed for contempt but yesterday he noted the procedure leading to an arrest warrant being issued and executed would take some days.

The judge said he would allow Mr Kane one last chance to comply and “finally make your peace” with the Revenue. Mr Kane had two weeks to provide all information sought by the Revenue and failure to do so would mean jail.