Thomas ‘Slab’ Murphy, who owns a farm in Hackballscross, Co Louth, straddling the border with Northern Ireland, denied nine charges of failing to comply with Irish tax laws.

Following a 32-day trial in the Special Criminal Court, the alleged former chief of the Provisional IRA was convicted of all nine charges on 17 December last. He was handed down an 18-month sentence on Friday, commencing immediately in Portlaoise prison.

The prosecution alleged the farmer did not provide authorities with a return of income, profits or gains, or the sources of them, over eight years from 1996 to 2004.

Murphy is maintaining his innocence, instructing his legal team to "pursue an appeal immediately."

Evidence

Leading up to this sentencing, Gardaí gave evidence in court on 12 February about a raid on Murphy's farm in Co Louth in 2006.

The defence described the farm as "a family farm", and Murphy’s job as a “yardsman” for a company in Crossmaglen, for which he gets just over £1,000 a month before tax.

During the raid, however, black bags were found hidden in a hay shed containing more than a quarter of a million euro, and more than £100,000, as well as cheques, documents and laptops.

In his statement released after the sentencing, Murphy said:

“I am an Irish Republican and have been all my life. For many years now I have been the subject of serial, prejudicial and wholly inaccurate commentary and media coverage.

“There have also been repeated assertions that I have amassed properties and wealth. This is utterly untrue. I do not own any property at all and I have no savings.

“Despite never having been questioned by An Gárda Síochána in relation to Revenue matters I was arrested, charged and put on trial in the Special Criminal Court for failing to file tax returns in respect of farming.

“The case presented against me was that tax returns with an average liability of €4,279 tax per annum should have been filed by me over a nine-year period in relation to farming.

“The evidence called by the prosecution showed that tax returns were made by family members in respect of the farm, and that all tax on any profit from farming has been paid.

“I maintain my innocence in respect of these charges, which date back 20 years.

“Naturally I am very disappointed at the verdict of the court and have instructed my legal team to pursue an appeal immediately.”