Courts / Dublin / Report

Businessman jailed for six-figure VAT fraud

Summary

John Downes, 58, of Cabinteely, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for defrauding the Revenue Commissioners of €160,000 in VAT between 2007 and 2011. He made false invoices and claimed VAT refunds that his company, Premier Print and Label Ltd, was not entitled to, and also charged customers VAT that he did not remit. Downes pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, and the judge noted the interest added by Revenue, totalling another €160,000, but based the sentence on the original amount defrauded. The judge cited Downes' guilty plea, cooperation, work history and community contributions as mitigating factors, yet stressed the seriousness of the offences. Downes had prior convictions for theft from Marks & Spencer and had previously received a suspended sentence in 2018. The court did not order restitution of the money, leaving that matter to Downes and the Revenue.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Businessman jailed for six-figure VAT fraud. Charges or matters: claiming repayment of VAT which his company, Premier Print and Label Ltd , was not entitled to and producing incorrect invoices on dates between 2007 and 2011. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• 2007 and 2011 Other
• 2019-12-06 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Fraud Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report