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
-
Africa urged to overhaul climate finance rules and regulations to unlock investment
13 minutes -
Joy Prime to broadcast Mexico vs Ghana friendly match on Saturday, 23rd May at 2am
55 minutes -
PNC National Chairman calls for arrest of NPP Youth Organiser
1 hour -
Joana Gyan Foundation partners KN Foundation, GFA & PFAG for historic Nsawam Prison outreach
1 hour -
Chief urges youth to see farming as dignified business, not punishment
1 hour -
Majority Leader says Ghana is experiencing ‘fastest economic recovery’
2 hours -
Anlo-Afiadenyigba SHS appeals for constant water supply, security
2 hours -
‘Stability, credibility and predictability are Ghana’s competitive advantage’ – Ambassador Victor Smith
2 hours -
NAIMOS arrests Chinese national, 7 Ghanaians in Ashanti Illegal Mining crackdown
2 hours -
Three including a baby killed in multi-vehicle crash on Kasoa-Winneba Highway
2 hours -
Wontumi denies authorising illegal mining on Akonta concession
2 hours -
Agbodza visits Adaklu-Helekpe mudslide victims, calls for urgent environmental action
2 hours -
TMA holds first ordinary meeting, discusses development, challenges, progress
2 hours -
PAC calls for closure of livestock market near the national mosque
2 hours -
Security agencies don’t need my permission to arrest you – Speaker Bagbin to MPs
2 hours