Man fails to appear for sentencing in tax fraud case

A GOLD COAST businessman convicted of a multimillion-dollar tax fraud and his wife have been rushed to hospital after he failed to front court.

Michael John Issakidis, 73, was found guilty this year of an elaborate $68 million tax evasion racket and was due to attend his sentencing hearing in Sydney.

When he failed to appear in court, police visited his Sovereign Islands mansion and had to call in a locksmith to access the heavily-secured home. They are believed to have found Issakidis and his wife Donrecka unconscious in a vehicle in the garage.

Michael Issakidis was due to appear for sentencing.

Paramedics were called to the home about 5.15pm and rushed the Issakidis’ to Gold Coast University Hospital. Detectives have been called in to investigate, with the home declared a crime scene.

Mr and Mrs Issakidis were believed to be conscious but in a serious condition.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/tax-fraudster-fails-to-appear-for-sentencing-in-68m-evasion-case/news-story/4acca95b8230837cd0f385633716a0b1?nk=12529b7bf354b574c0e3436c6a5774bc-1509848251

Paul McGirr represents accuseds in US-Australia joint investigation

"He was refused bail last Monday. Zalapa’s lawyer Paul McGirr declined to comment, other than to say his client intended to fight the charges.

Police documents tendered in court revealed one of the earlier cocaine shipments Schwartz has been charged over was allegedly linked to Double Bay man Jonathan Fagan, who police have accused of smuggling up to 160kg of cocaine into Australia in 16 shipments.

Police outlining the case against Fagan said they had evidence from US authorities that the 16 shipments were sent by US drug baron Hanson.

Mr McGirr, who also acts for Fagan, said the evidence had not yet been produced and the charges would be contested.

Schwartz, Zalapa, Phelps and Fagan are listed to face Central Local Court on Wednesday."

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/dr-octopus-cocaine-case-drug-ring-traced-back-to-us-by-aussie-cops/news-story/f833198054456d6d70f58dd55e7b1938

Lindfield Rugby Club in a fight for survival

Daniel McGirr represented the 100-year-old Linfield Rugby Club on Thursday 25 August before the NSW Rugby Union board with respect to allegations that the club paid players contrary to the Amateur Rugby code of conduct. The allegations are denied and the decision of the Integrity Committee to impose tough sanctions could see the end of the club. 

“It could be catastrophic for the club, which is nearly 100 years old. It would be a tragedy. We have already had players say if we start on minus 10 points next year they will be going to other clubs. And that would be a large exodus of players.
“The club vehemently denies making any payments to any player. The only issue left for the NSWSRU board to determine is whether the club was aware of the payments, made the payments or authorised such payments. There is simply no evidence of payments having been made by the club.”
One rival first division club committee member contacted The Saturday Telegraph to say: “It’s just subbies trying to flex muscle they don’t have. They should be more worried about all the clubs that are dropping out of their competitions than a $600 payment. Subbies may not be around in 20 years. The board is just on a power surge. They are lightweights trying to act like heavyweights. It’s sad and pathetic.”
McGirr won’t rule out taking the matter to NSW’s Supreme Court. The NSWSRU board is currently considering Lindfield’s appeal.
“We are confident that in the NSWSRU board’s judicial capacity justice will be done and that proper legal processes will be followed in making a determination,” he said.

The club is awaiting a final decision on its appeal to the NSWRU board.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby/lindfield-rugby-club-fearful-punishment-meted-out-for-allegedly-paying-player-will-cause-club-to-die/news-story/788da1954514082a811ee7b99c0aa871?nk=b6b56d7abf659ce6420c08554750f2ff-1472357956