Briatore hits out over tax evasion sentence

Jul.16 (GMM) Flavio Briatore has hit out at the media coverage of his conviction for tax evasion.

Once expelled from formula one amid the 'crashgate' cheating scandal, the flamboyant Italian has now been sentenced to 23 months of probation over a case surrounding his luxury yacht Force Blue.

Briatore, 65, and fellow directors were found in an Italian criminal court to have used the boat only for recreational purposes whilst claiming tax benefits for charters.

Asked about the media coverage of the case, Briatore told the Italian weekly Chi: "I have not read all the reports in the newspapers, but it doesn't interest me. It's a waste of paper.

"The fact is that my yacht is still used in the charter business, as I have always maintained, and yet I am condemned.

"The Italian newspapers and journalists are brave with their big headlines, but we are going to appeal (the conviction). This story is not over yet."

Meanwhile, Briatore's legal spokesman commented: "This whole process and the judgement came about only because someone should be punished for his lifestyle."