Fraudster tried to blame his accountant

Court Reporter A CRAFTY Cambuslang man submitted false tax forms to pocket more than £4,000.

Alan Duffy, 53, initially tried to blame his accountant when he was caught claiming back business travel expenses that had already been paid but then had to accept he provided the fictitious information and signed off on the documents to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). At Glasgow Sheriff Court, the accused pleaded guilty to forming a fraudulent scheme. Whilst fully employed by Sky plc, Duffy set up an income tax self-assessment account with HMRC and claimed tax relief on business travel expenses – knowing that he had been reimbursed for said expenses by his employer.

Between April 6, 2009 and April 6, 2015, the accused obtained £4,489 of which he was not entitled. It was highlighted that there was a deflection of blame within the Criminal Justice Social Work report.

Duffy had accused his accountant, but now “wholly accepts” he was signing off on the information provided by him.

His lawyer stated: “He’s never been in any trouble before.”

HMRC has not yet requested the money back, but the accused is not in a position to pay at the moment as he is currently out of work.

The defence agent noted: “It’s a serious offence, committed over a number of years.”

Sheriff Barry Divers deferred sentenced for six months until September 10 to give the accused time to make repayments to HMRC.

Duffy, of Redlawood Road in Newton, was told to be of good behaviour in the meantime.