A 'thoroughly dishonest' businessman who was jailed for three years for cheating the public purse of tax and VAT, spent the money on gambling, holidays and his own wedding, and benefited from his crimes by more than half a million pounds.

However, financial investigators found that the assets of John Schofield, 32, of Amport Lane, Kingsway, Gloucester, available for confiscation, were much lower.

Financial investigator Matthew Greenhill told Judge Michael Harington at Gloucester crown court this morning that the benefit figure was £526,147.63.

But his available assets were only £67,424.47.

The judge agreed to certify both figures at the proceeds of crime hearing, and ordered confiscation of the £67,424.47.

Schofield was given three months to pay that amount, and if he failed to do so would be jailed for a further two years, the judge ruled.

Schofield had denied fraudulent evasion of VAT between April 6, 2011, and April 6, 2016, and failing to disclose PAYE and National Insurance figures to HMRC between May 5, 2011, and April 5, 2013, but was convicted by a jury at Gloucester crown court in February.

The offences related to his time as a director of the now defunct JS Facilities where he was employed by sole shareholder, John Search, to "look after the finances."

The jury heard that Schofield spent the money on gambling, sporting activities, holidays and his wedding.

When he was sentenced to the three-year prison term in February, Judge Ian Lawrie QC told Schofield "You are a thoroughly dishonest man. It is clear to me you took advantage.

"This was a calculated and persistent course of evasion of tax. A very real, planned and calculated approach.

"The total sum was significant."

The court heard that JS Facilities had subsequently gone bust, and the judge said "Your behaviour was not the sole reason for the liquidation of the company, but it contributed."

Schofield's lawyer, William Rose, said that his client still didn't accept his offending, despite the verdict.

"He is of the view he has done nothing wrong," Mr Rose said, adding "This was a company that did not have the best practices before his arrival and it continued.

Read more: HMRC vows to pursue Gloucester business until he returns stolen funds 

"The company adopted a position within the community that it couldn't afford, such as the sponsorship of Gloucester Rugby Club.

"He should not be held solely responsible for the failings of the company," Mr Rose continued, and suggested that his client was eager to please and impress the main shareholder Mr Search.

The judge said "I am not of the view that he exercised naivety. This was a distinctly contrived effort to deceive HMRC of VAT."

Mr Rose said that the consequences of the conviction and the inevitable custodial sentence would be great for Schofield, his wife and their young son.

The judge acknowledged this saying there was a chance he would lose his home, but said to Schofield "you knew what you were doing."

The judge described Schofield as "a man clearly milking off a lot of money."

Imposing the three-year jail term, the judge said: "You certainly milked it for what it was worth, and now you have to pay a heavy price. It was your choice."

Today (July) at Gloucester crown court, Judge Michael Harington heard that Schofield had not responded to any of the prosecution paperwork served on him as part of the proceeds of crime application process.

"Obviously his position is hopeless," the judge said. "He didn't respond.

"He has only got himself to blame for that.

"I will make the orders as requested."

Read more: HMRC vows to pursue Gloucester business until he returns stolen funds