# The mistake that left ‘Slab' Murphy with a big bill and a massive problem

An episode of [The BelTel](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1620386537), 29 Sep 2026, 30 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/65670352d7b5d40012be7324/e/6ab4f765864264ef3e8cc3ad/media.mp3

In 1990, Thomas ‘Slab’ Murphy lost his seminal libel case against the Sunday Times. But formerly secret files reveal the south Armagh republican was actually expected to win it – and that the paper was considering throwing in the towel. But a tactical error by Murphy led to the paper deciding to fight – and not settle, costing him a fortune. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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