Court hands Shropshire tax fraudster repayment bill after he benefited by £500,000

John Durston, of Chetton, near Bridgnorth, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court, sitting at Telford Justice Centre for a proceeds of crime hearing on Monday (May 18).

The hearing, which was to decide how much of his ill-gotten gains he needs to pay back, came after he was convicted in 2023.

Three years ago the 60-year-old was spared jail after pleading guilty to three counts of using false instruments with intent, after he forged documents to cover his fraudulent activities.

During the 2023 hearing the court was told he had made 72 false VAT repayment claims from HMRC between April 1, 2019, and July 31, 2019.

The prosecution told how Durston had set up a business called Tomkins Distribution purely to make VAT claims from HMRC.

Prosecutor Robert Tolworth KC argued that Durston's fraudulent actives were "sustained" and involved "significant planning".

He also argued that the money illegally obtained from HMRC went on supporting Durston's lifestyle and to pay for his children's education.

At the time the court was told the fraud had cost the tax man £270,000.

He was spared jail after the judge heard of serious health issues and the fact he had already paid £88,000 back.

The court was told on Monday that investigators had deemed Durston’s fraud had benefited him to the tune of £575,224.45.

The hearing was told that it had been confirmed that the defendant has £209,161.45 available to pay back.

Judge Recorder Julian Taylor made an order requiring Durston to pay a total of £209,161.45 within three months.

If the money is not paid within the time limit he faces two years of jail time.

Addressing Durston Judge Taylor said: “You understand if you do not repay that money you will serve two years in prison in default?”

Durston’s 2023 sentence was two years in prison, suspended for two years, with a requirement to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.