Cowboy builder claims poverty

A swindling builder who claimed more than £3 million worth of VAT repayments by setting up fake companies claims he cannot afford to pay back any more money.

Peter Tillott, 61, was jailed for four years in 2012 after cheating the taxman by submitting VAT returns listing property purchases and building supplies that never took place.

Tillott, who featured on Channel 5’s Cowboy Builders programme, pocketed £1.4m of the £3m he reclaimed in respect of six dummy companies in Buckinghamshire and Middlesex.

The builder used three false identities and forged documents to make the applications to HMRC.

He was ordered to pay back £1,000,037 – and so far has coughed up £957,750.

But Tillot told Westminster Magistrates’ Court the well has run dry and he can’t afford a single penny more.

Judge Alexander Jacobs asked him: ‘Is your answer you won’t pay this off?’

Shuffling from side to side, Tillott replied: ‘I currently live at home and I’m on benefits.

‘I can’t afford it.’

The court heard ordered an inquiry into Tillott’s financial affairs and the money he owes will increase by £5.48 a day until he restarts the payments.

Judge Jacobs told the builder: ‘You must be back here on 16 March, if you have any financial details you want to bring with you please do.

‘I’m not telling you what will happen, that will be for the court on the 16 March to make that decision.

‘There are no payments at the moment.’

Robert Alder, Assistant Director, HMRC Criminal Investigation, said: ‘Tillott’s greed led to him spending vast amounts on improvements to his own property. He continued his fraudulent activities after he was arrested.

‘Our work does not end at identifying and tackling fraud – we also pursue the proceeds of crime, so that criminals do not benefit from their activities. This sends a clear warning – we will pursue you for your crimes, and then we will pursue you for your illicit gains.’

Tillott, of St Margaret’s Road, Twickenham, southwest London. admitted cheating the public revenue and was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court in March 2012.
ENDS