THE director of a Glasgow roofing company has been jailed for a £47,000 tax fraud.

Following an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Robert Brown, 60, was found to have submitted fraudulent VAT repayment claims – stealing £47,600 between September and December 2011.

Brown, the director of R Brown Building and Roofing Ltd, forged documents and invoices for claiming back VAT on building supplies.

Joe Hendry, assistant director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Brown stole more than £47,000 that should have gone to fund our public services. Instead, he submitted false documents with the sole intention of pocketing cash he wasn’t owed, to fund his own lifestyle.

“HMRC will continue to pursue criminals who attack the tax system and we ask anyone with information about suspected VAT fraud to contact us online or call our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”

Brown pleaded guilty before Glasgow Sheriff Court on January 10, 2018 and was sentenced to 12 months in prison on Wednesday.