A Llandybie businessman has failed to appear in court to answer charges of evading payment of “hundreds of thousands of pounds” in Income Tax, VAT and National Insurance.

John Griffiths, formerly of 94 Llandeilo Road, had been due to appear before magistrates at Llanelli on Thursday, but the court was told that the 49-year-old has since moved home.

Lisa Jones, prosecuting, told magistrates that the Crown Prosecution Service had been asked to present the case on behalf of the department of Revenue and Customs.

“This case relates to the non-payment of VAT, National Insurance and other taxes," said Ms Jones.

“This involves significant quantities of money – we are talking about hundreds of thousands of pounds not being paid over the past five years.

“If found guilty he would be facing a significant period in jail.”

Ms Jones requested the court adjourn the case until Griffiths’ new address was traced.

“He is a company director – he owns a company so the relevant company checks to find him can be made.”

Griffiths is charged with knowingly being concerned in the fraudelent evasion of income tax between February 2, 2010, and April 5, 2013.

He also faces a charge of fraudulently evading National Insurance contributions during the same period. 

In addition, Griffiths is accused of being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of VAT.

Magistrates issued a warrant for Griffiths’ arrest.