A BUSINESSMAN has admitted claiming �50,000 in VAT repayments by forging invoices.

Richard Knight was sentenced today (Mon) at Bristol Crown Court after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers caught him at his home in Rowan Place, Locking Castle, on June 19.

The 28-year-old admitted five counts of tax evasion at the same court on October 30.

The former director of Weston firm Calon Security Ltd, who provide staff for clubs and pubs in Bristol, was given a 12-month community order and ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.

HMRC assistant director for criminal investigation, Simon De Kayne, said the public’s help was needed in cracking down on tax cheats.

He said: “Knight used fake invoices to claim money he wasn’t entitled to. He stole from HMRC and therefore from the wider taxpaying public.

“We take VAT fraud extremely seriously and ask anyone with information about people or businesses involved in this type of crime to contact the customs hotline on 0800 595000 or online at www.hmrc.gov.uk/reportingfraud/online.htm”