politics
Tax Barrister Robert Venables Faces Three Charges of Tax Evasion
Robert Venables KC, 78, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on charges of evading nearly £2 million in income tax over nearly ten years. The prosecution alleges he used a partnership structure to understate income and spent the funds on household staff.
May 21, 10:00 AM·1m read1 source
bbc.co.ukAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
A leading UK tax barrister has been accused of evading nearly £2 million in income taxes. Robert Venables KC, 78, faces three charges of tax evasion covering the period from 2014 to 2021. Prosecutor Julian Christopher KC told Southwark Crown Court that Venables paid almost £2 million less tax than required.
The funds were allegedly used to pay his gardener and housekeeper. Venables has denied all charges.
The charges stem from self-assessment tax returns Venables filed for income from the RVQC Partnership. Prosecutors allege he concealed his true earnings through a partnership structure. The trial is examining whether the underpayment was deliberate rather than an honest mistake.
Julian Christopher KC said the case concerns the difference between legal tax avoidance and illegal tax evasion. He told the jury the proceedings do not involve views on wealthy individuals using lawful methods to reduce tax liability.
Venables became a barrister in 1973 and later took silk as Queen's Counsel in 1990. He has represented taxpayers in disputes with HMRC. The trial continues at Southwark Crown Court.
