Andrew Creelman has today pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates’ Court to two counts of knowingly evading duty payable on cigarettes and alcohol.
Lisa Rose, specialist prosecutor for the CPS Central Fraud Division said:
“Captain Creelman, who did not smoke, knew that smuggling was a serious offence and failed to declare the tobacco that he bought into the country at airports.
“During a period of just over a year, Creelman escaped duty due on 16,400 cigarettes and 20 litres of rum. Despite knowing the rules, Creelman exceeded his duty limits on 19 occasions with cigarettes and 10 occasions with spirits. Captain Creelman continued to think he could rise above the law and evaded more that £5,600 in taxes.
“Paying tax matters; it’s what keeps our schools and hospitals running. Those who use their positions to evade paying it should know they risk prosecution.”
Creelman pleaded guilty to two counts contrary to Section 170(2)(a) of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.
Creelman was sentenced to a fine totalling £1,420 including costs and victim surcharge.
