Jonathan Bennett, from Cardiff, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on 10 May before Judge Fitton QC where he was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for two years.

During the hearing the court heard that Bennett was banned as a company director in 2010 for eight years.

Bennett, however, continued to act in breach of his ban when was prominently involved in the management of two companies: Platinum Bay (Trading) Ltd and Platinum Bay Jewellery Ltd.

Platinum Bay Trading Ltd was incorporated in June 2012 with one sole director. The company sold watches and jewellery before it was compulsorily wound up in February 2015 following a petition by the tax authorities, owing almost £340,000.

The liquidation triggered an investigation by the Insolvency Service before investigators found that despite not being named as a director, Bennett was heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the business in breach of his disqualification.