A hard working businessman’s grocery service went

A hard working businessman’s grocery service went flat when his bid to boost profits by selling cut-price hooch saw him fall foul of the law, a court heard today (Thurs).

Ever eager to please customers, the 35-year-old expanded sales by offering beers, wines and spirits – unfortunately, the alcohol had been smuggled into Britain from France.

And London’s Southwark Crown Court heard the family man’s activity cost the Revenue pnds stlng 12,600 in unpaid duty.

When arrested, the father-of-two first claimed the drink was to supply thirsty party guests at a thrash he had planned.

But when Customs officers found detailed lists of drinks and prices at his home, Arumaichandraling Amurtherajan (correct) he had become a small part of the bootlegging industry – currently costing the Revenue over pnds stlng 2 billion (correct) a year.

The political refugee from Sri Lanka, who admitted being knowingly concerned in the evasion of duty in March 1998, escaped jail and was ordered to complete 150 hours community service because of his exemplary work record.

The court heard since seeking asylum in 1996, the defendant, of Woodvale Road, Norwood, se London, was a burden to the benefit system for a ‘very short time.

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Judge Peter Jackson noted that Amurtherajan only ever claimed pnds stlng 70 in handouts – and a probation officer preparing reports for the court even pointed out the family were entitled to receive more to boost a low income.

The defendant was arrested as he transferred 219 cases of beer and 25 cases of wine from a smugglers van into his own vehicle – later documents seized from his rented home showed a greater involvement in the trade.

Sentencing, the judge said: ‘This was a serious case of cheating public funds by doing something that evaded the payment of tax.

‘This sort of case usually attracts immediate imprisonment.

In your case, however, that you are truly sorry for what you have done and that you have been very frightened by these proceedings.

‘I am pleased that that is the case, because that leads me to agree with the probation officer when she says you are unlikely to ever offend again.

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The judge said he bore in mind how the defendant had striven to work hard and avoid costing the tax payer money.

And he told the defendant, who now works in a laundry: ‘I also bear in mind you have given up the business that tempted you to commit this offence, and you have been working hard in employment ever since.

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