A Blackpool nightclub owner and his accountant have been convicted for their involvement in a £4.9 million tax fraud.

Paul Kelly, who owned a string of bars and pubs across the North West, evaded paying millions in tax, with help from his crooked accountant John Parry.

Kelly submitted fraudulent VAT returns and deducted tax and National Insurance payments from employees’ salaries but failed to pay it to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Kelly, 63, splashed hundreds of thousands of pounds from the proceeds of his crimes on luxury items, including a yacht, expensive Bentley and Rolls Royce cars, a £100,000 watch and a £2,000 Versace dining service set.

Zoe Gascoyne, Deputy Director in HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, said:

“Paul Kelly abused his position of trust to steal from clients and staff members, and John Parry assisted him in further stealing from the taxpayer.

“Tax fraud is never a victimless crime and the eye watering sums he spent on cars and jewellery should have been funding the public services we all rely on.

“I hope this result serves as a warning to the minority of corrupt professionals who wrongly believe they can use their knowledge to assist clients committing fraud.

“We can and will work with our law enforcement partners to bring you to justice and we encourage anyone with information about any type of tax fraud to report it online.”

https://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/hm-revenue-customs-hmrc/pressreleases/nightclub-boss-and-accountant-face-the-music-3382753