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Gloucestershire Business News

Jailed Gloucester businessman can't pay order - court told

A Gloucester businessman, who cheated the state of VAT and tax to the tune of more than half a million pounds, is to apply for a 'certificate of inadequacy', a Gloucester judge heard.

John Schofield, 32, of Amport Lane, Kingsway, Gloucester, who is now serving a three year jail term, says he does not have the assets to pay the money back.

At an earlier hearing, financial investigator Matthew Greenhill said Schofield's profit from crime was £526,147.63 but he currently had assets of only £67,424.47.

At that hearing Judge Michael Harington ordered confiscation of the £67,424.47 from Schofield and ruled he had to pay within three months or serve a further two years imprisonment.

However on Friday at Gloucester crown court, Schofield's lawyer, Gareth James, said his client could not pay that amount.

"He says he is not in a position to fulfil the remainder of the order," Mr James told Judge Ian Lawrie QC.

"Moneys have dissipated from the accounts through standing orders, and the property sold for less than was hoped," the lawyer explained.

"It is hoped to go for a certificate of inadequacy," he said. "The banks have been somewhat uncooperative. He will get all of the documentation when on day release."

Schofield had denied fraudulent evasion of VAT between 6th April 2011 and 6th April 2016 and failing to disclose PAYE and National Insurance figures to HMRC between 5th May 2011 and 5th April 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.

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