Blade star Snipes gets bail

Updated 12.14 Fri May 23 2008
Keywords: tax evasion, bail, hollywood actor, wesley snipes

Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes has been granted bail pending an appeal of his conviction and sentencing for tax evasion last month.

Snipes' lawyers and court officials said a judge had granted a request by the star to remain free while he tries to overturn his federal tax convictions.

At his sentencing at the end of April prosecutors said the actor had earned more than $38 million (£19 million) since 1999, but had not paid any taxes

He had been set to surrender to federal prison authorities during the first week of June to begin serving his sentence.

Snipes had been indicted on felony tax fraud charges and was convicted of three misdemeanours.

At his sentencing at the end of April prosecutors said the actor had earned more than $38 million (£19 million) since 1999, but had not paid any taxes.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.