Snipes gets three years in jail


Movie star Wesley Snipes was jailed for three years yesterday for avoiding tax.

The actor, 45, got the maximum term — despite pleas by famous pals.

Snipes was told he must report to jail near his New Jersey home at a later date.

The Blade star dodged more than £7.5million in income tax at the height of his career, the court heard in Ocala, Florida.

Oscar-winner Denzel Washington, 53, wrote in a statement to the court: “Wesley is like a mighty oak tree. I have been protected by his presence.”

And actor Woody Harrelson, 46, said: “He strives for rightness in all relations. It’s an honour to call him my brother.”

Snipes was convicted of not filing tax returns from 1999 to 2001, but cleared of felony fraud and conspiracy charges.

His lawyers said tax advisers Douglas P Rosile and Eddie Ray Kahn — also jailed — duped him. They said he will pay the tax back with interest.


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