Audio By Carbonatix
Dominic Chappell, the former owner of BHS, has been sentenced to six years in jail for tax evasion.
A Southwark Crown Court jury found him guilty of failing to pay tax of around £584,000 on £2.2m of income he received after buying the failed chain for £1.
The court heard the 53-year-old spent the money on two yachts, a Bentley and a holiday to the Bahamas.
Former BHS owner jailed for 6 years for tax evasion https://t.co/flAOYk0siI
— BBC Business (@BBCBusiness) November 5, 2020
Chappell's lawyers claimed he became "utterly broke" after BHS's "pension problem exploded" in 2015.
Mr Chappell controversially bought the retailer from tycoon Sir Philip Green that year, but the chain collapsed soon after in 2016.
It led to the loss of 11,000 jobs and a pension deficit of £571m.
In sentencing, the judge said Chappell had engaged in a "long and consistent course of conduct designed to cheat the revenue".
Earlier this year, Chappell was ordered to pay £9.5m into BHS pension schemes after losing an appeal.
Simon York, director of the Fraud Investigation Service at HMRC, said: "This was deliberate theft from UK citizens. Chappell was a high-profile businessman who knew tax had to be paid on his income and profits but chose not to do so.
"That's money that should have been supporting our vital public services instead of funding his lavish lifestyle."
Latest Stories
-
I don’t want my people to be mistreated by ICE — Ambassador Victor Smith tells US Senator
3 minutes -
Detained fugitives: If you’re not prepared to be accountable, don’t hold public office – Vicky Bright
10 minutes -
Adutwum outlines vision for a growth-minded Ghana, draws lessons from global experiences
11 minutes -
I wish former CSA boss Dr Antwi-Boasiako continues in office – Sampson Lardy
13 minutes -
Kotoko maintain title ambition despite mixed results – Sarfo Duku
21 minutes -
NPP Flagbearer Race: Dr Adutwum speaks on economy, Ghana’s current gains, and more
22 minutes -
We must show zero tolerance for corruption and punish political elites – Susan Adu-Amankwah
27 minutes -
I’ll raise the needed funds to win on January 31 – Adutwum
29 minutes -
Adutwum urges calm in NPP, tells Frimpong-Boateng to look ahead to better days
31 minutes -
Your choice will shape NPP’s future – Adutwum to delegates
35 minutes -
Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu must be arrested immediately on arrival; sent to prison – Ex-Deputy AG
47 minutes -
I’ll be surprised if Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu is granted bail on arrival – Bobby Banson
55 minutes -
Sedina Tamakloe’s US arrest vindicates work we started in office – Tuah-Yeboah
1 hour -
Ken Ofori-Atta’s case: Allow the legal process to work – Adutwum
2 hours -
Don’t underestimate NPP delegates; they’re looking for someone who’ll win 2028 polls – Adutwum
2 hours
