Unqualified accountant jailed for seven years over £1m tax scam
A crooked unqualified accountant was sentenced to seven years in prison yesterday for attempting to defraud the Inland Revenue of public money thought to be in excess of £1m.
Nine other workers within the construction industry were also charged and eight of these were sentenced to jail for their involvement in the scam.
Simon Rogers, an unqualified accountant from Stevenage in Hertfordshire, abused his position by submitting and advising others to submit fraudulent repayment claims and deduction forms on behalf of sub-contractors in the construction industry.
The scam, which was heard by Blackfrairs Crown Court, also included the creation of fictitious building workers. All the money fraudulently gained was split between Mr Rogers and the others involved in the case – contractors and sub-contractors.
The Honourable Judge Byers overseeing the case, praised the Inland Revenue’s Special Compliance Office Investigators. He said: ‘The investigation was carried out with great thoroughness and skill which may have led to the early pleas and the consequential saving of public money . . . their conduct does them great credit . . . and the public (is) indebted to them.’
The Inland Revenue hailed the case as a victory for all honest tax payers.
Accountant Rogers from 5 Ranworth Avenue, Sevenage, Hertfordshire, SG2 8SL was sentenced to seven years imprisonment on count one and two years imprisonment on count two, to run concurrently.
Neil Scott a sub-contractor from Biggleswade in Bedfordshire was sentenced to two years imprisonment.
Michael James a sub-contractor from Stevenage in Herts was sentenced to three years imprisonment.
Anthony Paul Whaymand a general builder from Baldock in Herts was sentenced to two years imprisonment.
John William Mitchell a bricklayer from Stevenage in Herts was sentenced to three years imprisonment.
John Michael McGinnity a general builder from Shephall Way in Stevenage was sentenced to three years imprisonment.
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Robin Michael Knights a manual labourer from Watford in Herts was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.
Colin John Chantler a breakdown driver from St Ives in Cabridgeshire was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment.
Matthew Dorken a bricklayer from Stevenage in Herts was found not guilty on April 7, 2000.
The case is now adjourned until the 27th July 2000 when an application for a confiscation order and an order for costs will be presented.