Ex-IRA chief Thomas ‘Slab’ Murphy in court over tax evasion
Mr Murphy is taking legal action against the authorities in the Republic of Ireland over how his case is dealt with
The alleged former chief of staff of the Provisional IRA was remanded on bail yesterday over charges of tax evasion.
Thomas “Slab” Murphy appeared before Dublin’s Special Criminal Court over nine charges first brought against him almost two-and-a-half years ago.
Mr Murphy is taking legal action against the authorities in the Republic of Ireland because the charges he faces are to be dealt with by the non-jury Special Criminal Court.
The court usually deals with terrorism-related offences, but the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has the discretion to decide if an ordinary court is inadequate to deal with a case.
Mr Murphy, who has already lost one legal challenge to the Special Criminal Court trial, is bringing a second High Court challenge over the case.
Tony McGillicuddy, the barrister for the 60-year-old farmer, told the court that progress had been made in the challenge as papers were served on the state on Monday.
Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding, replied: “I wouldn’t call that progress.” But he granted an adjournment until July 30.
Mr Murphy, from Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, is also attempting to have the conditions of his bail altered, from having to sign on at a police station three times to twice a week.
The court said it would accept an affidavit from one of his independent sureties, who was not present in court because of ill health. The application was adjourned until Wednesday next week.
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