Wellington man sentenced for tax evasion

Photo / File

A well-known Wellingtonian escaped a prison sentence when he appeared for sentencing on tax evasion charges today.

Carl Gifford, who runs Happy Valley's mini golf course Carlucci Land, earlier pleaded guilty to dozens of charges in relation to evading tax payments, particularly PAYE deductions.

Appearing before Judge Carrie Wainwright in the Wellington District Court, Gifford was sentenced to six months' community detention and 220 hours' community work.

He was also ordered to pay costs of $1750, and $7000 in reparation.

The court was told how Stone Wall Limited and Rock Wall Limited, both of which Gifford was the director of, had outstanding PAYE payments totalling $112,951.

In 2010 Stone Wall Limited went into voluntary liquidation and Rock Wall Limited was put into liquidation.

The entire $112,951 remains unpaid.

Gifford's lawyer, Kevin Smith, said Gifford was in "dire straits" and had limited work with the Wellington City Council to provide for his family.

He had to sell all of his assets, Mr Smith said.

"He really struggles to feed them [his family] on what he earns."

Judge Wainwright acknowledged Gifford's "dire straits" and said a home detention sentence would prevent him from earning for his family.

"[Your] family depends on your income for their financial survival."

"You are a person who is genuinely remorseful for the actions that you took," she said.

Speaking outside court, Gifford said he felt "obligated" to pay his employees before paying PAYE.

"Perhaps I should have laid my workers off a long time ago, but at the same time we're always hopeful and as a Kiwi we're always optimistic."

The construction of stone walls was not a great money maker, he said.

"We have struggled over the years, being self-employed and I suppose that goes with the territory of being self-employed."

But he said he remained dedicated to Carlucci Land and planned to keep it operating.

"Through all of this, the crown jewels have been saved."