A CWMBRAN businessman has been fined almost £10,000 for breaching trading sanctions relating to his electrical business.

Dennis Willmott was asked by HM Revenue and Customs to pay a £190,000 VAT security after his previous business folded leaving outstanding tax debts.

Failure to pay would mean that he was not allowed supply taxable goods and services. But the security was not paid and he continued to trade, contrary to VAT regulations.

At Gwent Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Willmott was handed a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £9,944 compensation to HMRC. He must also pay a £15 victim surcharge.