Sex offender back behind bars for tax fraud

A convicted sex offender and fraudster is back behind bars after being found guilty of fraud involving GST returns.

Graham Ashley Robert Palmer was sentenced in Auckland District Court today to 15 months jail for claiming a GST refund of $81,250.

An Inland Revenue audit led to prosecution.

In 1988, Palmer was convicted and jailed for a $2.6 million GST fraud.

Inland Revenue assurance manager Richard Philp later said Palmer's sentencing reflected the seriousness of the offending.

"The sentence is a strong message to those who deliberately attempt to defraud our tax system and shows the consequences of being found out," he said.

"Mr Palmer was someone who had previously offended and again tried to defraud our tax system.

"Our message to fraudsters is that you will be caught and dealt with."

Specialist staff worked on uncovering fraud to prevent people such as Palmer cheating honest taxpayers and trying to claim money which should be going to community services such as schools and hospitals.

Palmer had also previously been jailed for sex offences.

- NZPA