A 53 year old man from the Black Country has been jailed for depriving public finances of £91,000 through income tax and national insurance evasion - money he failed to declare and pay during his 10 years of trading as a self-employed plumber.
David Williams from Sandwell was arrested in September 2011 following an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). A search of his home uncovered thousands of pounds in cash. The tax evaded of £91,000 was detained and has now been awarded to HMRC.
Adrian Farley, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation for HMRC, said:
'Today's sentencing is a result of our robust action to clampdown on plumbers, gas fitters, heating engineers, electricians and other trades people who fail to declare their earnings and pay the correct tax. As well as stealing from the nation's public finances these individuals also gain an unfair tax advantage over their business competitors.'
He added: 'We will not hesitate to investigate those we suspect of committing this fraud and ask anyone with information about individuals who may be involved in tax evasion to contact the Tax Evasion Hotline on 0800 788 887.'
On sentencing His Honour Judge Challinor, said: 'You were squirreling the money away, it was based on greed. Those tempted to avoid paying income tax must be deterred.'
