The former owners of a Maidenhead motor dealership who illegally claimed an £86,000 VAT repayment have been sentenced.

A VAT fraud investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) revealed that Charles Mogford and Julia Smith submitted a false purchase invoice to reclaim more VAT than was due.

Mogford and Smith were company directors of Auto Exporters UK, which traded as independent specialist Berkshire Land Rovers until July 2014. The pair submitted a VAT claim for the purchase of 31 Land Rovers, when in fact the real invoice was only for two vehicles.

The fraudulent invoice was dated January 22, 2010 and used to make a false VAT repayment claim the following month.

Anthony Swarbrick, assistant director, fraud investigation service, HMRC, said: “Mogford and Smith had traded legitimately, but greed led them to commit VAT fraud. Our message is clear - it is simply not acceptable to steal from the tax system and, ultimately, honest UK taxpayers.

“HMRC will continue to pursue those criminals who attack the tax system and we ask anyone with information about suspected VAT fraud to contact our 24-hour Hotline on 0800 59 5000.”

The business ceased trading under Mogford and Smith in July 2014 and was later purchased by Land Rover specialists Nene Overland.

On June 30, 2016 at Reading Crown Court Mogford pleaded guilty to the fraudulent evasion of VAT (£86,118.99). A jury found Smith guilty of the same offence on July 4, 2016.

Mogford was jailed for two years at Reading Crown Court yesterday. Smith was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

The £86,000 has been repaid to HMRC.