A Northern Ireland businessman who cheated the British revenue out of more than £1 million was jailed today for three years.
Fast food restaurant chain boss James McCorry (56) siphoned profits into offshore bank accounts in a tax evasion scam spanning two decades, Belfast Crown Court heard.
McCorry, who founded the hugely successful Julie's Kitchen and Burger Stop outlets is one of the biggest fraudsters successfully prosecuted by the Inland Revenue in Northern Ireland.
As he imposed confiscation and compensation orders to cover unpaid duties and interest, Mr Justice Morgan told him he had refused to come clean even after suspicion grew.
The judge said: "Your offending behaviour continued despite the fact there were investigations into your conduct in 1990 and 1993, and therefore opportunities to disclose the true position and rid yourself of criminal behaviour."
Inland Revenue representatives warned outside the court that other tax evaders could face the same punishment. Spokesman Mr Kieran Dougan said: "This sends a clear message to anyone who thinks they can cheat the Inland Revenue and the public purse that we can and will prosecute where appropriate.
Similar cases may follow. "But it doesn't need to come to this and I would urge anyone who has further information to disclose to us about their tax affairs to do so now so an amicable settlement can be reached."
PA