Businessman accused of duping taxman out of nearly £400,000 to go on trial

A businessman is set to go on trial later this year in connection with allegations that he duped the taxman out of nearly £400,000.

Company director Stuart Newing-Davis appeared at Perth Sheriff Court on Tuesday to face an indictment detailing accusations of large-scale fraud.

Former transport tycoon Newing-Davis is alleged to have carried out tax evasion totalling £387,027 over a two-year period.

The 46-year-old is alleged to have filed a series of fraudulent returns which led to him avoiding paying VAT to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

Newing-Davis was due to face trial next month but the case was put back until April after the court was told he had been granted legal aid at a late stage and further work had to be carried out by his defence team.