Courts / Dublin / Report
Father-of-six who received €3.3m in payments jailed for failing to make tax returns
Summary
James Mahon, a Dublin father of six, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for failing to file tax returns for 2003, 2008 and 2009. He had received €3.3 million from Dolianus Enterprises Ltd between 2003 and 2009 to distribute free newspapers around Dublin. Revenue estimated he owed €869,731, excluding interest and penalties. Mahon claimed he earned €400 a week, but a 2011 audit showed payments of €384,342 in 2006 and €478,713 in 2008, excluding VAT. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Melanie Greally described the offence as a "blatant and sustained episode of tax evasion" and noted Mahon had no previous convictions. The judge imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year custodial sentence, suspending the final 18 months on strict conditions. The case highlighted Mahon's lack of engagement with Revenue and his challenging family circumstances, including two children with special needs.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Father-of-six who received €3.3m in payments jailed for failing to make tax returns. Charges or matters: failing to deliver tax returns for 2003, 2008 and 2009. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 2015 Incident
- 2003 to 2009 Other
- 2008 and 2009 Incident
- 2006 to 2009 Other
- 2016-02-15 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: failing to deliver tax returns for 2003, 2008 and 2009 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Greally sentenced Mahon to two and half years in prison and suspended the final 18 months on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- St Fintan's Park
Topics
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