A "GREEDY" Arnold businessman used forged invoices to fraudulently claim almost £40,000 in VAT repayments.
Peter Wilding was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, yesterday.
Wilding, of Killisick Road, was disqualified from holding a company directorship until 2017, but claimed £39,755 in VAT repayments he was not entitled to through two IT businesses he ran.
He was arrested last July when an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) uncovered he had used Nottingham-based firms Evolve TS and IP Logik to commit the tax fraud.
Gary Lampon, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, said: "Wilding was motivated by greed to steal a substantial sum of taxpayers' money to line his own pockets. This latest prosecution will send a firm message to anyone involved in or considering tax fraud – your time is up.
"With over £10 billion being stolen from UK finances each year by criminals involved in the hidden economy, it's serious crime, which we are determined to eradicate."
Wilding was also ordered to carry out 150 hours' unpaid work.
A six-month house curfew between 8pm and 7am was also imposed.
He pleaded guilty to charges of VAT fraud under the Value Added Tax Act 1994.
Following action by the Insolvency Service in 2010, Wilding was disqualified from becoming a company director for a seven-year period – 2010 to 2017 – over his involvement in a previous company – QOS Communications.
