Oliver Ford, 28, from Titchfield in Hampshire, submitted multiple self-assessment tax returns to claim tax rebates but he lied about his turnover, deductions and expenses. More than £19,000 was refunded by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Ford pleaded guilty to 15 offences contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006. HMRC investigators found that he had no books or records to support the claims.
Ford was sentenced on 13 September at Portsmouth Crown Court to 10 months imprisonment. He will serve half in prison and the remainder was suspended.
HMRC assistant director criminal investigation John Cooper said: “HMRC is determined to crack down on fraudsters like Ford who are intent on stealing from the wider taxpaying public. This sentencing will act as a deterrent to anyone considering such criminality.”
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