A 'thoroughly dishonest' Kingsway businessman, who cheated the state of VAT and tax to the tune of more than half a million pounds, is to apply for a 'certificate of inadequacy', a Gloucester judge heard yesterday.

John Schofield, 32, of Amport Lane, Kingsway, Gloucester, who is now serving a three year jail term, says he does not have the assets to pay the money back.

At an earlier hearing, financial investigator Matthew Greenhill said Schofield's profit from crime was £526,147.63 but he currently had assets of only £67,424.47.

At that hearing Judge Michael Harington ordered confiscation of the £67,424.47 from Schofield and ruled he had to pay within three months or serve a further two years imprisonment.

However on Friday at Gloucester crown court, Schofield's lawyer, Gareth James, said his client could not pay that amount.

Schofield had denied fraudulent evasion of VAT between 6th April 2011 and 6th April 2016 and failing to disclose PAYE and National Insurance figures to HMRC between 5th May 2011 and 5th April 2013 but was convicted by a jury at Gloucester crown court in February.

The jury heard that Schofield spent the money on gambling, sporting activities, holidays and his wedding.