Man who changed details tax disc avoids conviction with poorbox donation

A man who changed details on a tax certificate has had the charge struck out after paying €400 to Ballyshannon St Vincent de Paul via the court poorbox.

Jonathan Dale, 55, of Doonaree, Edenville, Kinlough, was before Ballyshannon District on Friday. A hearing relating to a charge of using a false tax disc which the defendant knew to be a false instrument at Rathmore, Ballyshannon on March 14, 2023 had previously been adjourned.

Solicitor Gerry McGovern told Judge Adrian Harris that Judge Sandra Murphy who originally heard the case asked that the defendant return with €400.

“Judge Murphy indicated that if he came back to court with €400, she would leave him without a conviction,” said the solicitor. 

It was heard that the money could not be accepted as compensation by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. 

Judge Harris therefore directed that it be paid to Ballyshannon St Vincent de Paul. The matter was then struck out.