The director of two demolition contractors has been jailed for 16 months following an investigation by the Insolvency Service.
George Taylor, of Arundel, West Sussex, was sentenced at Chichester Crown Court last week for a series of offences relating to his roles as director of Amalgamated Demolition Services and Amalgamated Demolition and Asbestos Services.
Steyning-based Amalgamated Demolition Services was wound up by Brighton County Court on 24 April 2006, owing £142,059 to creditors, and a bankruptcy order was made against Taylor on 16 January 2007.
In a separate action taken by the official receiver, he undertook to the Secretary of State not to act as a company director for a period of eight years. This took effect on 12 June 2008.
Despite this, Taylor continued to act as a director of Amalgamated Demolition and Asbestos Services. He had also been prohibited from being a director of the firm because its name was so similar as to suggest an association with Amalgamated Demolition Services.
Subsequently, Taylor asked Amalgamated Demolition Services’ major customer to make payments for work into a new bank account. However, the account details he provided were those of Amalgamated Demolition and Asbestos Services.
This meant £22,795 that was due to Amalgamated Demolition Services was diverted into the other company.
Taylor also failed to disclose to the official receiver that Amalgamated Demolition Services had two motor vehicles and an excavator that were subject to hire purchase agreements.
Taylor pleaded guilty to two offences and was found guilty of a further four. He was jailed for 16 months.
Robert Peck, official receiver, said: “This case shows the severe consequences awaiting company directors who abuse their position or disregard the insolvency laws in place to protect the public and businesses.
“The Insolvency Service has robust powers and we do not hesitate to use them as Taylor found out.”
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