Peter Jones from Central Place, Wilmslow was registered under HMRC’s Construction Industry Scheme as PJD Cheshire Builders, employing sub-contractors for work carried out on renovations and property development.

When he de-registered, HMRC’s investigations revealed that he had continued to employ sub-contractors for five and a half years but failed to pay tax deducted from them to the HMRC.

He was sentenced to 24 months in jail, reduced by a third for a guilty plea to 16 months.

Sandra Smith, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC, said: “Jones abused his position when he failed to pay tax that was due in an attempt to line his own pockets.

“HMRC takes tax fraud extremely seriously and anyone deliberately choosing to evade the taxes they owe should expect not only a heavy fine, but possibly a criminal prosecution as well.”