Hero Auckland police officer guilty of tax evasion

Constable Greg Fallon, photographed in 2003 following a water rescue near Rangitoto Island. Photo / File

An Auckland police officer, known for his dramatic rescue of a drowning couple, has pleaded guilty to tax evasion.

Gregory Raymond Fallon, 41, admitted the charges in the Auckland District Court this morning.

Fallon first made headlines in 2003 when he was one of two officers to leap from a helicopter to save a drowning couple, who had been lost at sea near Rangitoto Island.

According to the Herald report at the time, Fallon is also an experienced surf lifesaver.

Today, the officer sought a lengthy adjournment until his sentencing date to give him time to sell assets he holds in a company and to face police disciplinary matters, the court heard.

He was convicted and remanded on bail until his sentencing in June.

Fallon has no previous convictions, the court heard.

Superintendent Karyn Malthus, the Auckland City District Commander, told the Herald in a statement that Fallon is currently a sworn police officer, holding the rank of constable.

She said the officer had been charged with tax-related crimes by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and was not the subject of any police investigation.

"An internal employment investigation will be conducted pending the outcome of this matter in court," she said.

Police were unable to comment further while the case remained before the courts.

An IRD spokesman also said he couldn't comment on the case, citing taxpayer secrecy provisions in legislation.