A man who conned tax officials out of £34 million and funded a lavish lifestyle of luxury hotels and restaurants has been jailed for one of the longest sentences in British criminal fraud history. Thomas Scragg, 56, was jailed for a total of 17 years following three separate fraud convictions against HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) ~ the latest, in March 2011, for stealing millions of pounds in employee PAYE tax. The conman from Solihull, West Mids. used his business Moya Payroll which managed staff wages of construction industry companies to steal over £26m in tax over a five year period between 2002 and 2007. Other investigations revealed a further £8m of stolen PAYE tax in a 10-month period from April 2007 to February 2008.His co-defendant, Paul Phillips from Derbyshire, was jailed for nine years.The latest conviction for offences in March 2011, followed a joint investigation by West Midlands Police and HMRC.The extent of Scragg's racket has remained a secret until now as cases against his two henchmen Carl Johnson, 49, and his brother Anthony, 51, from Wolverhampton progressed through court.
WITH the phosphorescent blobs and mesmerising patterns, these spectacular images may look like the hall marks of an enchanted forest but it is in fact the scene of thousands of dancing FIREFLIES .
A Birmingham man inspired by sci-fi film Wall-E, has created a one- wheeled vehicle, controlled by signals from his BRAIN .
FLOATING effortlessly on his back, this little otter laps up a rare glimmer of English spring sunshine .
STOOD side by side next to a busy road, these buildings were once bustling with life .
FULLY equipped with a kitchen and lounge, it's hard to believe this modern holiday let is actually a BUS .
A baby sperm whale assumed the role of a friendly giant when faced with two awestruck divers .
A pair of BEAUTIFUL rescue sea turtles spot their catch in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef .
SOARING through the air, this is the moment a hungry tawny owl arrives home with dinner .
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
A grand 56-bedroom hotel, once heaving with injured soldiers during the First World War, now lies completely abandoned .
SNUGGLED up in the hay away from the elements, this adorable hoglet has sought solace with a familiar friend .