Snipes gets three years for failing to file tax returns

A US federal judge has sentenced Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes to three years in prison for failing to file tax returns from 1999 to 2004.

Judge William Terrell Hodges laid down the harshest possible sentence on Thursday against Snipes, 45, after he was found guilty in February on three misdemeanour counts.

According to US Attorney Scotland Morris, prosecuting, said Snipes currently owes more than $20 million in taxes and penalties.