A former Dunedin barrister who has fled to Australia has been struck off over tax evasion offences totalling more than $180,000.
At this week's hearing before the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal, it emerged Raelene Marie Kelly had been convicted of 46 charges at a criminal trial she failed to attend last year.
Law Society spokesperson Mark Treleaven said the charges included knowingly using tax deductions for overseas travel, alcohol, private school fees and a monthly payment for a Jaguar.
"The Law Society considers it a very serious matter. It involved dishonesty offending and disgraceful conduct on her part, and the legal profession has no time for lawyers who behave in such a manner."
Kelly also failed to appear at the tribunal's hearing.
