HMRC investigators discovered that Paul Hussell of Tewkesbury had submitted 41 fraudulent VAT repayment claims for April 2008 to August 2011 in relation to his father’s tenanted farm.

He used money from the fraud to buy himself an Aston Martin DB9 and a six-berth Regal motor cruiser – purchases he kept secret from his wife.

Hussell, 50, was arrested in November 2011, but absconded in February 2012 to avoid further questioning.

Hussell returned to the UK from Zimbabwe in late 2012 and, after a period of ill-health, was re-arrested and charged in November 2013. HMRC’s arresting officers found him hiding in the bathroom of his rented farm cottage.

Colin Spinks, assistant director, criminal investigation, HMRC, said: ‘Justice has finally caught up with Paul Hussell who fled the UK to avoid facing up to his crimes. In the end, after a lengthy investigation by our officers, he pleaded guilty to this sizeable VAT fraud and is now paying the price for his criminal activities.

‘If you know of anyone who is committing VAT fraud, you can report them by calling the customs hotline on 0800 59 5000.’

Hussell tried to legitimise his VAT claims by producing false invoices, which he hid under a wardrobe at his home. The faked paperwork was uncovered by HMRC investigators during a house search.

He pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court on 17 July 2014 and was sentenced at the same court on Monday this week.

Upon sentencing Hussell, Recorder G H Cliff, said: ‘Mr Hussell had deliberately and relentlessly over a period of time falsified documents in order to put HMRC off the scent whilst evading £1.4m in VAT.’

The fraud was discovered after a VAT officer identified irregularities on one of the monthly VAT returns and referred the case for criminal investigation.

HMRC will seek to recover the proceeds of his crimes.