A CONVICTED VAT fraudster who failed to pay a �410,000 confiscation order is back behind bars.
Disgraced solicitor Paul Morris was jailed for five years in March 2003 for his part in a plot to launder �8 million of criminal profits from a �38 million 'missing trader' VAT fraud.
He was yesterday jailed for a further two years and three months at Birmingham Magistrates Court.
The investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that led to his conviction also saw fraudster Ray Woolley jailed.
Richard Meadows, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, said: "The fact that Morris has been recalled to prison for failing to fully repay criminal profits highlights the seriousness of this form of criminality.
"We all pay extra tax to compensate for the money these criminals steal and with the economic challenges being faced by everyone we will vigorously pursue their ill-gotten gains, stolen from the UK taxpayer.
"Today's sentencing sends the strongest message yet of our relentless action to seek justice."
Morris, aged 61, of Thorncliffe, near Leek, pictured above in 2001, was previously found guilty of laundering millions through his firm's clients' account on behalf of Ray Woolley and co-defendant Duncan Evans.
This money was used to purchase overseas properties, luxury cars, yachts and shares. He was later given a life-time ban from practising law.
He was ordered to repay criminal profits of �410,000 in April 2004, or serve a further three years in prison. But he only repaid �265,000 and with interest, the remaining amount outstanding is �272,796.
The debt is still owed and financial investigations continue to identify assets.
Morris had been regarded as a "pillar of the community" in Leek since his release from jail.
His businesswoman wife Ann is a prominent member of the community and owns Getliffe's Yard, Leek, where she has an upmarket boutique.
The former Chamber of Trade chairman, who stood by her husband throughout the original court hearing, was unavailable to comment yesterday.
Her husband has also been closely involved with the town's Royal British Legion and the Friends of the Nicholson War Memorial since leaving prison.
Businessman Brian Johnson, president of the Chamber of Trade, said: "I was not aware of anything hanging over him. I feel regret for the position that Ann has been left in. I think this will come as something of a blow. As far as I was concerned he had taken his place back in society and was making quite a lot of effort."
Steve Povey, a member of the friends group, said: "You would not have thought from his demeanour that he was still in any trouble."
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