Oliver Ford, 28, submitted multiple Self Assessment tax returns to claim tax rebates but lied about his turnover, deductions and expenses leading to £19,000 being refunded by HMRC.

John Cooper, HMRC Assistant Director Criminal Investigation, said: “HMRC is determined to crack down on fraudsters like Ford who are intent on stealing from the wider taxpaying public.

“This sentencing will act as a deterrent to anyone considering such criminality.”

Ford pleaded guilty to 15 offences contrary to the Fraud Act. Investigators found that Ford had no books or records to support the claims.

Upon sentencing at Portsmouth Crown Court, Mr Recorder T J Mousley QC, said: “If there were a jury you would have received 15 months, which I will reduce by a third as credit for your early guilty plea.

“This leaves ten months. You are to serve half (in jail) and five months to be suspended.”

Ford of Fareham, Hampshire. is believed to have spent some of the money on gambling.