A WESTRUTHER man who admitted a VAT fraud involving £25,000 has been ordered to pay back the money at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Fifty-one-year-old Mark Watson previously pleaded guilty to being involved in the fraudulent evasion of VAT amounting to £25,000 at his home at The Post House between June 2013 and September 2016.

He  submitted false VAT returns in order to claim VAT repayments to which he was not entitled.

In addition he was placed on a night time home curfew between the hours of 7pm and 6am as an alternative to custody.

Watson was allowed to compensate HM Revenue and Customs at a rate of £160 a month but was advised he could pay back the money quicker when funds became available to him.

A HMRC spokesperson said: "When we pay tax, we expect it to go towards paying for vital public services.

"Unfortunately a small minority of people like Watson break the law.

“HMRC is helping honest businesses who play by the rules and will pursue those stealing from the taxpayer and stopping funds going to public services.

"If you know of anyone who is committing tax fraud you can report them online or by calling our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”