DPP asks for more time in 'Slab' Murphy case

Prominent republican Thomas "Slab" Murphy is unlikely to go to trial in the Circuit Court before next April, it was stated in…

Prominent republican Thomas "Slab" Murphy is unlikely to go to trial in the Circuit Court before next April, it was stated in court yesterday.

The court also refused an application to relax a bail requirement that Mr Murphy sign on every day at Dundalk Garda station.

Mr Murphy (58) from Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, is before the court charged with nine alleged revenue offences following an investigation into his affairs by the Criminal Assets Bureau.

It is alleged that he failed to make returns of his income, profits or gains in specific tax years.

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At Dundalk District Court yesterday the solicitor for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Michael O'Donovan, asked the judge for a one week remand to allow the book of evidence to be prepared.

He said that since the case came before the court that a "large amount of documentation has been found."

He also cited the complexity of the case and said it was "in the interests of justice" that a remand be given.

He said he was aware defence solicitor Paul Tiernan had asked for copies of statements and he had in court for him a large amount of disclosure.

In court he gave Mr Tiernan a large box and large brown envelope of material.

Mr Tiernan said his client had been released on stringent bail conditions including having to sign on once a day at Dundalk Garda station and "he may have to wait for half-an-hour or longer" to do so.

As it was not likely that Mr Murphy's case would get on for hearing in the Circuit Court before next April, he asked that the signing on conditions be relaxed.

However, this was objected to by the solicitor for the DPP who said gardaí were objecting to any variation in the bail conditions.

Judge Flann Brennan granted the one week remand and said he would not vary the bail terms for the coming week but would consider doing so in the future if he (Mr Murphy) continues to comply with them.

He formally extended time for the book of evidence to be prepared and adjourned the case until next Wednesday.