Courts / Dublin / Report
Businessman may avoid jail over bogus VAT reclaim
Summary
Patrick Chambers, a 65‑year‑old Dubliner, pleaded guilty to four counts of claiming VAT he was not entitled to between July 2009 and March 2010 and to producing an incorrect invoice in July 2012, resulting in a €35,780 loss to the exchequer. He had taken a loan of over €1 million to develop a property behind his family home, but the collapse of the property market in 2008 left him unable to repay the loan and forced him to sell the family home. Chambers said he committed the offences because he was in "dire financial circumstances" and was desperate for money. He had no prior convictions and was described by his defence counsel as a talented software engineer who had once employed 170 people. Judge Melanie Greally ordered that his suitability for community service be assessed and adjourned sentencing until 21 July.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Businessman may avoid jail over bogus VAT reclaim. Charges or matters: four counts of claiming repayment of Value Added Tax (VAT) to which he was not entitled on dates between July 2009 and March 2010 and to producing an incorrect invoice in connection with VAT in July 2012. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 2009 Other
- March 2010 Other
- July 2012 Other
- July 21 Adjournment
- 2016-04-08 Publication
Why: Chambers was fully co-operative and told the investigation he had committed the offences because he was desperate for money as he was in "dire financial circumstances. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: four counts of claiming repayment of Value Added Tax (VAT) to which he was not entitled on dates between July 2009 and March 2010 and to producing an incorrect invoice in connection with VAT in July 2012 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) A business man who fraudulently reclaimed VAT after falling into "dire financial circumstances" with a development project when the housing market collapsed may perform community service. Judge Melanie Greally at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court ordered that Chambers' suitability for community service be assessed and adjourned sentencing until July 21 next.; Judge Melanie Greally at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court ordered that Chambers' suitability for community service be assessed and adjourned sentencing until July 21 next.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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