Lying Accountant Walks Free After Tax Fraud Case

A 61-year-old accountant and former church warden has avoided jail after providing false information to tax authorities that left his client with more than £25,000 in backdated tax and penalties.

The Royal Court sentenced former GS Limited director John Asplet to 180 hours of community service and ordered him to repay his client £26,887, in monthly instalments.

While working for ventilation firm A&C, Asplet submitted false records to reduce its GST liability and failed to inform the company’s director of key correspondence from Revenue Jersey. Prosecutors said A&C had placed its “faith and trust” in him, but he “abused” his position.

The court heard Asplet altered invoices and denied wrongdoing, but was convicted following trial. Despite this, judges noted he had not personally benefited and had reported himself to his professional body.

Defence advocate Giles Emmanuel highlighted Asplet’s community service, including work as a church warden and volunteer swim pilot, and presented multiple character references.

The Royal Court said the offence merited a custodial sentence but, given the circumstances, imposed the community service order as an alternative.