Demolition Man and Blade actor Wesley Snipes has been handed a three year jail sentence for tax offences.The sentencing came three months after US District Court judge William Terrell Hodges found Snipes guilty on three charges of willfully failing to file federal tax returns from 1999 to 2001.But he was cleared of other allegations of fraud and conspiracy.The court heard that Snipes had failed to pay $15 million (£7.5 million) in tax by using a string of offshore accounts in an attempt to conceal his millions.The three year sentence was the maximum jail term that could have been given for the star, a year for each of the Hollywood star's convictions for failing to file his tax forms, despite the millions that he earned.Snipes' legal team had asked that the actor be given probation instead of imprisonment, as this was his first offence.The actor made a personal plea in court asking them to forgive his behaviour as well as presenting a set of cheques amounting to $5 million (£2.5 million) as a gesture of good will.However the court wanted to make an example of the star sending out a strong message to those who attempt to dodge the tax system.

The forty five year old star began his career in the late 1980s and has gone on to star in more than forty movies, including the successful Blade franchise.

Friends from the industry including fellow actors Denzel Washington and Woody Harrelson produced character witnesses for the star.

Washington wrote 'Wesley is like a tree a mighty oak . . . Many who know him have witnessed the fruit of his labours, have sat in his shade and even been protected by his presence.'

Harrelson said Snipes was 'a true citizen of the world.' Continuing: 'He strives for rightness in all his relations.'

It is believed that Snipes' lawyers will appeal against this sentence.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw

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