Car dealer avoids jail for €86k tax offence

A car dealer who evaded paying €86,500 tax on high-end vehicles during the Celtic Tiger years has managed to avoid jail.

Lee Cullen, aged 41, was given a two-year suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and ordered to pay money he owes the State within 12 months.

Cullen, of Starwood, Coolmine, Saggart, pleaded guilty to evading Vehicle Registration Tax on seven Range Rovers at the Vehicle Registration Office, Main St, Tallaght, between Feb 13, 2006, and March 29, 2007.