Tax barrister jailed after record trial

LINCOLN'S Inn barrister Bernard Cunningham was sentenced to 15 months in jail for his part in a tax fraud that resulted in the longest ever criminal trial of its type.

Cunningham, of Michael Jump's chambers at 24 Old Buildings, was convicted on two counts of falsely misrepresenting or concealing the true nature of purchases and commissions paid by several companies to other businesses.

Tax barrister Cunningham is the brother-in-law of high-profile barrister Helena Kennedy QC.

Non-qualified accountant Christopher Charlton got five years, accountant Terence Kitchin two and a half years, and David Wheeler six months. Accountant Paul Lawlor will be sentenced this week.