Fraudster gets eight more years for VAT scheme

Craig Johnson was originally convicted of a £20m ‘missing trader' VAT fraud in 2006 and was set to be released early next month despite a 12.5 year jail term. However, he has so far only paid around £4m of the confiscation order having been forced to sell assets including his stately home Meaford Hall in Staffordshire, three further UK properties, performance vehicles - including a Bentley and a Ferrari - Rolex watches and diamond jewellery. Robert Alder, assistant director for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), says: "This will send the strongest message yet to criminals that even in priso...