Courts / Dublin / Report

Former accountant who failed to pay Revenue €344,000 avoids jail

Date
2014-12-17
Stage
Appeal
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

At the appeal stage, Kevin Tucker (52), a former accountant, was found to have admitted failing to make tax returns between 2002 and 2011. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where Judge Martin Nolan imposed a suspended one-year sentence. The judge noted that Tucker had a history of being unsympathetic to tax offenders, having previously imposed a six-year sentence on another individual for tax fraud. However, in this case, the judge acknowledged that Tucker's actions coincided with the rearing and eventual death of one of his children, who had severe and complex health issues. Tucker has repaid a large portion of the outstanding tax and currently owes €81,650. He pleaded guilty and stated that he had intended to address the matter but had put it off. His defence counsel highlighted that Tucker no longer works as an accountant and is now employed as a business consultant. The judge stated that it would be unjust to impose a custodial sentence in this case, noting that Tucker was not charged with tax evasion but with failing to make returns.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former accountant who failed to pay Revenue €344,000 avoids jail. Charges or matters: failing to make tax returns between 2002 and 2011. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

Case subjects

Kevin Tucker

Appellant

Charges: failing to make tax returns between 2002 and 2011 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Imposing a suspended one year sentence, Judge Martin Nolan said he has a history of being unsympathetic to tax offenders. It would be unjust to impose a custodial sentence in this case." "If there wasn't such circumstances I probably would have imposed a custodial sentence," he added.

Places mentioned

Residence
  • Durham Road
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Topics

Fraud Stage Appeal

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request