‘Slab’ Murphy trial told papers from shed near Border analysed

A forensic accountant working with the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) conducted an objective analysis of documents found in a shed on the Border, the Special Criminal Court trial of prominent republican Thomas "Slab" Murphy for alleged tax evasion heard on Tuesday morning .

Mr Murphy (66), of Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, has pleaded not guilty to nine charges alleging 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 Inspector of Taxes for the years 1996/97 to 2004.

Mr Murphy is being prosecuted on foot of an investigation by the Cab.

Prosecution’s case

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

The accountant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told John Kearney QC, defending, that he analysed a bank account opened in the name of Thomas Murphy and also documents found in a shed during a search by the Cab.

He said examination of the documents “leads to its own conclusion”.

The trial continues.