JLR tax scam worker cries as he is spared jail

DAD WEEPS AS JUDGE TELLS HIM HE WAS LUCKY TO AVOID CUSTOD

- CARL JACKSON Court Reporter

THE latest JLR worker caught for taking part in a tax scam burst into tears as he was told he would not be sent to prison immediately.

Gary Henry received nearly £32,000 he was not entitled to in tax relief from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for six years’ worth of bogus expenses claims.

The 58-year-old dad told investigators he was roped into the racket, which was doing the rounds at the car manufacturer, by an ‘accountant’ who worked in a different building to him.

Henry, of Broadstone Road, Kitts Green, admitted one offence of being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of income tax.

He broke down in the dock at Birmingham Crown Court as Recorder Luke Blackburn confirmed he would suspend Henry's eight-month sentence for 21 months, telling him he was ‘lucky’ to avoid going to jail.

Henry was also ordered to carry out 30 days of rehabilitation activity and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Last year, the Birmingham Mail reported on the case of JLR worker Andrew Bell who earned £70,000 from what he referred to as the ‘Tommy’s Tax’ scheme. The father-of-five, in his 50s, from Solihull, was also spared jail.