Proceeds of crime case delayed

A proceeds of crime case against a former Perthshire potato merchant was yesterday put off again at Perth Sheriff Court.

The delay was due to a depute fiscal being off work sick, the court heard.

The Crown and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are pursuing the proceeds of crime action against Scott Coupland, 48.

He was jailed for two-anda-half years in February 2017 after being found guilty after trial of a £161,000 tax evasion.

Coupland, of Crieff, had made two false VAT repayment claims between March 2011 and November 2012. During the trial, the court had heard Coupland, a sole director with WDR Coupland (Produce) Ltd, had used the money accrued in order to fund his lifestyle and also to pay private school fees for his children.

HMRC became suspicious due to the large sums of repayments which Coupland claimed to have made.

Yesterday, solicitor Nicky Brown, defending, told the court she hoped the matter would be resolved soon.

“I had sent a letter, an email and left phone messages for the depute fiscal,” she said. “I was surprised not to hear back from her, but have now discovered the lady was off sick.”

She continued: “The last time this case was put off I had said I would provide more concise answers and these are now ready.”

The case will now be heard on January 23.