Jail for bankrupt Arundel businessman

AN ARUNDEL businessman has seen sent to prison for a catalogue of insolvency offences.

George Taylor, director of Amalgamated Demolition Services Ltd and Amalgamated Demolition and Asbestos Services Ltd, both based in Steyning, was sentenced to 16 months, at Chichester Crown Court last week, following an investigation by the Insolvency Service.

The court heard that Amalgamated Demolition Services Ltd had been wound up in April, 2006, and that Taylor had been made bankrupt in January, 2007, but had continued as director of Amalgamated Demolition and Asbestos Services Ltd, despite being banned.

He even told customers of the first company that payments, totalling more than £22,000, should be made to Amalgamated Demolition and Asbestos Services Ltd.

Robert Peck, official receiver, said: “This case shows the severe consequences awaiting company directors who abuse their position or disregard the insolvency laws in place to protect the public and businesses.

“The Insolvency Service has robust powers and we do not hesitate to use them, as Mr Taylor found out.”

Seven counts were brought against Taylor, including acting as a director of a company while bankrupt, falsifying a company’s books, and three of making a material omission relating to a company’s affairs.

He pleaded guilty to two, was found guilty of a 
further four, and was acquitted of one count of making a material omission.