VAT dodging builder faces prison

Metin Menekse, 33, now of Kettering Road, Northampton, admitted two counts of fraudulently evading VAT between August 2014 and March 2015.

Mansfield Magistrates’ Court heard that HMRC officers conducted a series of checks on his company account - Menekse Brothers Limited - after he failed to submit a return.

Invoices for work totally £86, 305 were found, but Menekse had not declared the money and owes £14,384.

District Judge Jonathan Taaffe said: “The public purse is out of pocket by nearly £15,000.

“People who avoid paying taxes should expect to be treated harshly and to go to prison. I will be considering a prison sentence.”

He advised Menekse to find legal representation.

The case was adjourned until June 1 for pre-sentence reports.