Pub boss who admitted VAT offence could be facing insolvency court told

A Foulridge pubs boss has owned up to a VAT offence and HMRC want him to hand over £30,000, a court was told.
A Foulridge pubs boss has owned up to a VAT offence and HMRC want him to hand over 30,000, acourt has heard.A Foulridge pubs boss has owned up to a VAT offence and HMRC want him to hand over 30,000, acourt has heard.
A Foulridge pubs boss has owned up to a VAT offence and HMRC want him to hand over 30,000, acourt has heard.

Andrew Stopforth, of the Hare and Hounds Inn, Skipton Road, appeared before Burnley magistrates, where he admitted the allegation.

The 50-year -old pleaded guilty to supplying goods/services without giving a security when required, between April 1st and September 30th, last year, at Colne.

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He was in contravention of a condition requiring him to give a security for the payment of any Value Added Tax, which was or may have become due from him. The maximum penalty for the offence is a £20,000 fine.

Mrs Alex Mann, prosecuting, said the case was brought by HMRC. The defendant had been served with a notice over VAT payment and didn't respond to that.

She told the hearing:"He didn't pay it, despite the officers trying regularly to contact the defendant. I think he did send in a couple of returns, but didn't send in any money."

The HMRC was seeking £30,000 compensation.

Mrs Mann added:"The defendant is being taken to court in London in a couple of weeks. That might result in insolvency."

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Mr Daniel Frazer, representing Stopforth, told the hearing:"On June 12th, there is a hearing in London, in order to see what the future is for Stopforth Taverns Ltd and Mr Stopforth himself.

The solicitor continued:" There is a debt of £116,000. I anticipate some of this is encompassed in that."

Stopforth will be sentenced at Blackburn Magistrates' Court on Friday, June 21st, when, the hearing was told, a second charge may be laid in respect of the company.

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