AMANDA PLATELL: I’m disgusted that multi-billionaire Bernie Ecclestone is not in jail… This case stinks!
How disgusting that it worked. How unfair that Bernie Ecclestone, worth an estimated £2.5billion, was spared jail after pleading guilty to hiding money from the taxpayer.
We’re not just talking about a minor slip-up here, whatever his lawyers claim he’s unaware of the true state of his affairs. The 92-year-old Formula 1 magnate admitted to hiding £416 million.
However, he escaped a jail sentence after dipping into his bulging pockets to pay a £653m fine.
It rings – £416 MILLION! Most of us who complete our tax returns would be dumped by the taxman if we were out £416. As everyone knows, it’s a rule for the super rich – but ordinary workers shy.
What makes it even worse is the kind of man that Bernie Ecclestone is. A man who has boasted he would ‘take a bullet’ for monstrous Russian President Vladimir Putin; who joked ‘women should be dressed all in white like other household appliances’; who praised Adolf Hitler for ‘getting things done’ and who was friends and business partners with the late Max Mosley, the racist son of fascist leader Oswald.
Bernie Ecclestone, the 92-year-old Formula 1 magnate, admitted to hiding £416m.
Ecclestone was a friend and business partner of the late Max Mosley (pictured with Ecclestone in 2002)
Bernie Ecclestone with his new wife, Fabiana. The couple have a son, Ace
He argued that at the age of 92, with serious health conditions, a trial investigating his finances could kill him and violate his human rights as he has a three-year-old son. Maybe selfish, rich old men should think twice before having children, let alone using them as a get out of jail free card.
His legal adviser said it was never his intention to avoid paying taxes, that he “simply did not know” about the hundreds of millions hidden in Singapore’s offshore accounts.
How the 4.24 million self-employed in this country – bricklayers, gardeners, window cleaners – must have laughed imagining the harsh response from the taxpayer if they explained that they were not simply ‘unaware’ of the few thousands they had saved in savings. for their children.
If there was justice in this world, Ecclestone would be in jail. He broke the law. He was caught. And he should be behind bars, enjoying weekly visits from his new wife Fabiana and their son Ace.
This week’s trial was a shameful day for our justice system.
Celebrating her Prince’s Trust Young Achiever award for her biggest women’s shoe brand, Tskenya-Sarah Frazer was hugged by David Beckham who promised to come to her birthday party, suggesting that ‘my wife might sang’. Alas David, she never could.
Nicole Scherzinger is playing Norma Desmond to rave reviews in the musical version of the 1950 film Sunset Boulevard
How does Nicole look so good at 45?
The stunningly gorgeous Nicole Scherzinger, playing Norma Desmond to rave reviews in the musical version of the 1950 film Sunset Boulevard, proves one thing: how much easier aging is for women these days.
Nicole is 45 and looks 35. Gloria Swanson was 50 when she played Norma in the movie and looked 60. However, please, let none of us pretend it’s all about healthy food and a Nivea tub.
Billy Connolly says humor helps him live with Parkinson’s, that it speaks to him, revealing: ‘I tell the disease, ‘I’ll give you a break if you give me a break’. We are good to each other.’
And wife Pamela has to put it on every morning.
He is 80 years old and in poor health – but still so adored that there would be a queue longer than at Madame Tussauds with female fans happy to help Pam with that beloved task.
A warning to Gen Z – up to 26 – as a survey reveals more than half don’t even pick up the phone when their parents call. There will come a time when you are the same age as us Baby Boomers, your parents are weak, you wish you had picked up the phone all those years ago and you want to talk to them one last time.
Rod Stewart turned down seven-figure offers from Saudi Arabia and Qatar to perform in their countries
You share it well, Rod
After turning down more than $1 million to perform in Saudi Arabia, Rod Stewart says: ‘I’m grateful to have the choice to perform or not – so many citizens there have extremely limited choices, women, the LGBT community, the press. ‘
Rod also turned down $1m to work in Qatar, unlike Gary Lineker who pocketed £1.6m to pitch for his state broadcaster and David Beckham who was paid $15m a year for three years to promote the country . Rod says he used his ‘moral compass’ to make a decision. Gary and Becks couldn’t find theirs.
Protect us from hate
More than 10,000 pro-Palestinian protesters plan to march through London today – following Hamas’ cold-blooded, murderous attacks in Israel and the kidnapping of around 150 hostages.
When hate of any kind walks the streets of this country, it is our government’s responsibility to act.
We should have taken France’s lead, stopped the pro-Palestinian protests and chased the participants off the streets with water cannons.
Coleen Rooney (left) says it’s a ‘relief’ to ‘draw a line under all the crazy business’ with Rebekah Vardy (right)
We at Vardy know you, Colin
Promoting her Disney+ documentary series, Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story, Coleen says it’s a ‘relief’ to ‘draw a line under the whole crazy business’. Here’s the gist: signing a multimillion-dollar deal to collect text messages between two Wags is just the way to put their judgment to bed.
And judging by her promotional poster, Coleen is becoming unrecognizable – even turning into her nemesis Rebekah Vardy.
Her world tour is expected to gross $1.2 billion. No wonder Taylor Swift is called the heir to the Queen of Pop Madonna.
Meanwhile, Madge’s tour is expected to top $1.4 billion.
The two have so much in common – not only 10 or more UK No.1 albums, but each has been named one of the most desirable women in the world.
However, with a string of disastrous relationships behind them, the two are also single. Where’s the fun in all that money and fame when you’re living as a virgin?
Get tough on XL Bully attacks
XL Bully owner Marcus Walsh has been jailed for 18 months after his ‘pets’ robbed a woman. Walsh was already banned from owning dogs at the time and had a previous conviction for a similar attack. The judge said he was “not a fit and proper person to have a dog”.
You don’t say – throw away the key!
Meghan showed up at a mental health event in New York wearing a $987 Altuzarra jacket after she and Harry headed a block in a seven-car motorcade. In the UK Kate was blindfolded, in a T-shirt, supporting visually impaired athletes playing goals – a game designed for them. It’s a team sport, sharing the glory. It’s not an idea Meghan seems familiar with.
I’m all for King Charles approving images of endangered species on our coins. But given he is 74, the oldest monarch to be crowned, and Harry’s actions have angered republicans, some fear he is more at risk than his beloved red squirrels.
(tagsTranslate) daily mail(s) debate(s) Rebekah Vardy(s) Coleen Rooney(s) Nicole Scherzinger(s) Meghan Markle(s) King Charles III(s) Vladimir Putin(s) Saudi Arabia(s) Trial Wagatha Christie Prince Harry Keir Starmer Madonna Billy Connolly Taylor Swift Rod Stewart XL Bully Qatar David Beckham