A SELF-employed construction worker from Barry has been sentenced after being caught in a £30,000 Income Tax fraud.

An investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) found that Ashley Williams, 23, of Arno Road, Barry had put false information on his Self Assessment tax return so that he could fraudulently claim back £30,714 in tax.

Williams had received repayments totalling £9,235.80 and attempted to claim a further £21,478.72.

At Cardiff Crown Court yesterday (Thursday, April 16) Williams pleaded guilty to a charge of fraud by false representation.

He was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to repay £8,496 to HMRC, including £2,000 within 21 days.

He was also ordered to carry out 120 hours unpaid work.