A Co Clare man who attempted to defraud the Revenue Commissioners of more than £3.8 million has been remanded in custody to March 1st next to allow further psychiatric examinations.
At Ennis Circuit Court on September 28th, Brendan Murphy (45), of Fielbrook, Parteen, Co Clare, pleaded guilty to defrauding the Revenue Commissioners of £3,823,716 between January 1st and June 18th, 1997, using a false VAT return in the name of Unirock Enterprises Ltd.
He had been remanded on bail by Judge Kevin Haugh to yesterday's court, to allow for psychiatric reports.
Ennis Circuit Court was told in September that Murphy, a principal officer with the Revenue Commissioners, was to receive £2 million from the attempted fraud.
Mr Patrick MacEntee SC, defending, requested a further adjournment yesterday at the Ennis court, saying further psychiatric assessment was needed.
He said he had a report from a Dr Charlie Smith which raised more questions than it answered.
He said: "The assessment requires that steps be taken before a responsible view is formed for the benefit of the court. It is not anyone's fault, but it is simply not complete," he said.
Mr Brendan Nix, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said the State had no objection to an adjournment, but that it would also require the services of a forensic psychiatrist in this case.
Judge Haugh said that while he had allowed the accused out on bail in very unusual circumstances on his last court appearance, to allow him to be examined by a psychiatrist, he was not prepared to extend that.
He remanded Murphy in custody to Ennis Circuit Court on March 1st.