THREE company directors who defrauded thousands of pounds from businesses were jailed yesterday after one of the biggest investigations into business rate fraud. Another was fined £1,000.
Over a four year period Jason Clarke, John Stenson, Anthony Dardis and Lee Hilton -- all from the Greater Manchester -- defrauded more than 300 business throughout Lancashire of more than £87,000 through misrepresentation.
Lancashire County Council launched the investigation against the men with officers from Cheshire and North Yorkshire County Councils after being inundated with complaints from small businesses.
A hairdressers in Burnley, manufacturers in Bacup and Blackburn and pubs and restaurants in Clayton-le-Moors were among the businesses targeted.
A trial at Leeds Crown Court last week resulted in Clarke sentenced to 15 months imprisonment; Stenson nine months; Dardis three months and Hilton fined £1,000.
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