Five self-employed tradesmen were fined a total of £12,500 by Judge James McDonnell yesterday in the Dublin District Court for failing to submit tax returns to the Revenue Commissioners.
Declan McLoughlin, an industrial caterer, from Ballinteer was fined a total of £4,500, equivalent to £750 on each of six counts for failure to submit his returns. He was given three months to pay or 45 days' imprisonment, in the event of default.
Anthony Beirne, a Dun Laoghaire panel beater, was fined £500 on each of six counts, a total of £3,000, with three months to pay or 45 days' imprisonment.
David Carrick, a Rush carpenter, received a similar fine of £3,000 for failing to make six years' returns and was given one month to pay or 45 days.
Patrick Duffy, a Glasnevin courier/delivery man, who the judge noted had "paid an unsolicited tribute to the staff of the Revenue Commissioners" for their forbearance, was fined a total of £1,000 on four counts of not submitting his returns with six months to pay and 45 days' imprisonment in default.
Brendan Gorman, a welder from Donaghmede, was fined £1,000 on four counts of non-submission with three months to pay and 45 days in default.