A BUSINESSMAN involved in a £2,000 customs fraud, has walked free from court.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Paul Lorriman, boss of a pallet firm, had almost 10,000 cigarettes and 124 litres of spirits at one of his addresses but he said they were "Christmas goodwill gifts" for business contacts.

Father of three Lorriman, who escaped criminal prosecution after 5,000 cigarettes were taken off him coming into the country in 1997, was given 100 hours community service, must pay £450 costs and £2,024.96 unpaid duty. He pleaded guilty to three offences involving the evasion of duty.

Lorriman, 35, who gave two Burnley addresses - Chiltern Avenue and Berry Street - was asked by Judge Raymond Bennett which one he lived at. He said "neither" and added he lived mostly in Tenerife. His counsel said he had been having tax difficulties. Sentencing the defendant, the judge said when he started to hear the case, he pictured somebody buying goods cheaply on which no duty had been paid and selling them on at a profit.

He said the cigarettes and drink were for his own use, either Lorriman's own consumption or as goodwill gifts to business contacts. It was still not allowed although he was not a "wholesaler". He added Lorriman had not been in trouble for many years after a 'bad start'.

The court heard 8,800 cigarettes and 124 litres of spirits were found in the defendant's possession.

Mr Mark Stuart, defending, said Lorriman had made a success of his business. It was perfectly legitimate and Lorriman had run it for 17 years. He was not selling the goods for commercial purposes.

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