This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35666743

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Thomas 'Slab' Murphy: Alleged ex-IRA chief sentenced to 18 months in jail for tax evasion 'Slab' Murphy: Tax evasion jail term for alleged ex-IRA chief
(about 3 hours later)
Alleged former IRA "chief of staff", Thomas 'Slab' Murphy, has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for tax evasion.Alleged former IRA "chief of staff", Thomas 'Slab' Murphy, has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for tax evasion.
He was convicted of nine charges at the Republic of Ireland's non-jury Special Criminal Court in December.He was convicted of nine charges at the Republic of Ireland's non-jury Special Criminal Court in December.
Murphy, who lives at Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, County Louth, on a farm that straddles the border with Northern Ireland, had denied the charges.Murphy, who lives at Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, County Louth, on a farm that straddles the border with Northern Ireland, had denied the charges.
He was prosecuted after a Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) investigation.He was prosecuted after a Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) investigation.
Who is 'Slab' Murphy?Who is 'Slab' Murphy?
Vincent Kearney, BBC News NI Home Affairs CorrespondentVincent Kearney, BBC News NI Home Affairs Correspondent
This was far from any ordinary, run-of-the-mill tax case.This was far from any ordinary, run-of-the-mill tax case.
The man involved had been a high-profile target for the police and other law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border for decades.The man involved had been a high-profile target for the police and other law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border for decades.
Thomas "Slab" Murphy claims he is just a farmer.Thomas "Slab" Murphy claims he is just a farmer.
But he is also alleged to have been one of the most powerful figures within the Provisional IRA.But he is also alleged to have been one of the most powerful figures within the Provisional IRA.
Read more hereRead more here
During the trial, the court's three judges were told he had significant dealings in cattle and land and received farming grants, but failed to submit tax returns for nine years.During the trial, the court's three judges were told he had significant dealings in cattle and land and received farming grants, but failed to submit tax returns for nine years.
At a post-trial hearing earlier this month, the prosecution said Murphy owed the Irish Exchequer almost 190,000 euros (£150,000) in unpaid taxes for his farming business.At a post-trial hearing earlier this month, the prosecution said Murphy owed the Irish Exchequer almost 190,000 euros (£150,000) in unpaid taxes for his farming business.
During a series of raids by the CAB in 2006, officers seized cash sums of 256,235 euros (£202,000) and £111,185.During a series of raids by the CAB in 2006, officers seized cash sums of 256,235 euros (£202,000) and £111,185.
They also seized 673,460 euros (£531,000) in uncashed cheques.They also seized 673,460 euros (£531,000) in uncashed cheques.
A number of ledgers, documents and computers were also uncovered.A number of ledgers, documents and computers were also uncovered.
Murphy, who works as a yardsman for a business in Crossmaglen, south Armagh, did not give evidence during the 32-day trial.Murphy, who works as a yardsman for a business in Crossmaglen, south Armagh, did not give evidence during the 32-day trial.
Speaking to journalists before the hearing started, he was asked if he would go onto the republican wing if he was sent to prison.Speaking to journalists before the hearing started, he was asked if he would go onto the republican wing if he was sent to prison.
Murphy replied: "I've no idea, I've never been in jail before."Murphy replied: "I've no idea, I've never been in jail before."
When asked if he might now write a book on his experiences, he said: "Ah, ye (you) have all written it already."When asked if he might now write a book on his experiences, he said: "Ah, ye (you) have all written it already."