Pensions - Articles - Dominic Chappell fined over BHS sale

 Dominic Chappell failed to provide information that TPR had required him to supply as part of its investigation into the sale and then collapse of BHS, using powers under section 72 of the Pensions Act 2004.

 He also failed to provide TPR with information about a possible unauthorised disclosure of restricted material.

 Chappell had pleaded not guilty to three charges of neglecting or refusing to provide information and documents without a reasonable excuse, but was convicted of all the charges after a trial in January.

 At Barkingside Magistrates’ Court today (Friday 23 February) District Judge Gary Lucie ordered Chappell to pay a £50,000 fine, £37,000 costs and a £170 victim surcharge.

 Judge Lucie said: “The court must send a message to those in senior positions that refusal to answer questions under section 72 will not be tolerated. The law is there for a purpose and it must be enforced. There is a complete lack of remorse on Mr Chappell’s part.”

 The case is the fifth criminal conviction secured by TPR against individuals or organisations for failing to comply with section 72 notices.

 Nicola Parish, TPR’s Executive Director of Frontline Regulation, said: “We prosecuted Dominic Chappell because despite numerous requests he failed to provide us with information we required in connection with our investigation into the sale and ultimate collapse of BHS.

 “Choosing not to comply with our section 72 notices has now left him with a criminal record and a bill for more than £87,000, both of which he could have avoided if he had simply done what was required of him.

 “Information notices are a vital investigative tool for us. Ignoring them is a crime that can lead to prosecution.”

 TPR’s separate anti-avoidance action against Mr Chappell in respect of the BHS pension schemes is continuing.