Portadown man pleads guilty to tax evasion

In one of the first cases of its kind in Northern Ireland at Craigavon Magistrates Court on November 10, a self-employed painter and decorator from Portadown has pleaded guilty to "knowing being concerned with evasion" of Income Tax.

In the case brought under Section 144 of the Finance Act 2000, David Herron, a 42-year-old father of three, failed to notify the Inland Revenue that he was working and receiving income as a painter and decorator. To compound matters, Mr Herron also claimed various state benefits to which he was not entitled. Herron's wife also made a claim for 'Working Families Tax Credit' and on the form Herron declared he was not employed.

Following enquiries, the Inland Revenue established that Herron had been working as a self-employed painter and decorator. On October 8, 2002 Herron was arrested and his property searched in a joint operation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and officers from the Inland Revenue's Special Compliance Office.

The Inland Revenue was able to establish that Herron had failed to declare income in excess of £30,000 over a period of three years.

Following the preparation of reports, Herron will be sentenced on January 12, 2004.

(MB)