A COMPANY director, who stole more than £190,000 in tax, has been jailed after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs.

Kevin O’Hare, 55, of Calne, submitted false purchase documents and invoices to claim VAT repayments through his Cardiff-based IT and telecommunications businesses, Ardkoh Ltd and Ardios Network Management Services.

An investigation found that only a fraction of trading records were legitimate and that O'Hare stole £191,599 between 2012 and 2016.

He was found guilty of fraud and tax evasion on at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday and sentenced to three years in jail.

Colin Spinks, assistant director of the Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “When we pay tax, we expect it to go towards paying for vital public services, not to line the pockets of unscrupulous traders.

"O’Hare knew he was breaking the law but thought he could get away with ripping off honest taxpayers.

“HMRC is levelling the playing field for honest businesses by tracking down those who attempt to stop funds going to public services.

"We will continue to pursue criminals who think they can steal taxpayer’s money. If you know of anyone who is committing tax fraud you can report them online or by calling our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”