A SWINDON businessman who lost everything after his company was defrauded by an employee will appear in court today for not paying his council tax.

John Keeping, 61, of Swindon Road, Stratton, lost everything after his haulier business Keeping Transport Ltd was defrauded of £164,000 by employee Margaret Cross.

The business was unable to stay afloat afterwards and ended up closing for good earlier this year resulting in the loss of 27 jobs.

He will appear before Swindon magistrates charged with not paying a £778 council tax debt.