A COLCHESTER man suspected of being involved in a £105,000 fraud has gone into hiding.

Westley James Temple was arrested on suspicion of fraud but failed to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on October 1.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

Two haulage company directors have already been jailed.

Andrew Lumb, 51,of Europlashaulage Ltd, in Uxbridge, submitted false invoices for the purchase of vehicles to claim VAT refunds of £30,271.

Compliance officers discovered the fraud during a visit which also revealed Charlie Doherty, 38, director of Dochaulage Ltd in Staines had been doing the same to claim £47,875.

Paul Barton, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, said: “Both defendants believed they had found the perfect way to get rich quick by conning HMRC and stealing from the British taxpayer.

"They were wrong and are now facing the consequences of their actions.”

Temple was arrested and charged before he disappeared.