Livestock dealer on smuggling charges

Checkpoints to stop smuggling along the border

A livestock dealer suspected of importing the sheep which first brought foot-and-mouth into Ireland has been remanded in custody.

John Walsh, who is originally from County Wicklow, arrived back in the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday night.

He appeared at Dublin District Court on Thursday where he faced 14 charges, including unlawfully importing sheep from the UK.

He also faced a charge of failing to provide adequate tax returns.

Cattle dealer John Walsh denies wrong-doing

The court was told that he made no reply when the charges were put to him.

No mention was made in court of foot-and-mouth disease.

A defence solicitor said Mr Walsh had come back to the country voluntarily and had given himself up to gardai.

A detective said the state objected to bail because Mr Walsh's farm and property were up for sale.

The court was told he is living in the Carlisle area and that his plans to live there permanently were at an advanced stage.

Bail was refused and the accused was served with a tax bill for IR£700,000.

It is believed that this is the first person who has been charged with unlawful importation of sheep in the context of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Mr Walsh left the Irish Republic in February because he said he was being vilified by the media.

Border controls

Tight border controls are making it difficult for smugglers to operate.

Such a high level of security has not been seen on the border since the height of the Northern Ireland Troubles.

However, the Irish police have uncovered a number of smuggling operations involving the illegal importation of both sheep and cattle in recent weeks.

Since the start of the foot-and-mouth crisis, which has gripped Britain, the Irish Republic has had one confirmed outbreak, while Northern Ireland has had four confirmed cases.