THE DIRECTOR of a Carmarthen-based renewable energy company has been given a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of VAT fraud.
Stuart Jupp, 45, of Parc Starling, appeared in Swansea Crown Court today (Apr 25) charged with Fraudulent evasion of Value Added Tax (VAT) contrary to Section 72 (1) Value Added Tax Act 1994 and fraud by false representation contrary to Sections 1 and 2 Fraud Act 2006.
Jupp, who is the managing director of Power for Wales Inc Ltd, which is based in the Coracle Offices in Carmarthen, failed to declare £22,040 in VAT charged by his business which should have been passed to HM Revenue and Customs.
Investigations revealed that Jupp doctored figures on three invoices, relating to work carried out at hotels in Coventry and Stoke, in an attempt to avoid paying the VAT.
Power for Wales Inc Ltd boasts over 30 years of electrical, building and renewables knowledge and experience, in supplying commercial and domestic photovoltaic panels as well as solar farms.
Jupp claimed his actions were not for the purpose of evading tax but admitted he should not have amended the documents. The court heard he has now paid the full amount to HMRC.
Judge Paul Thomas QC sentenced Jupp to 12 months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £3,500 in costs.
Add Comment