An independent tax adviser from Birmingham has been found guilty of evading £400,000 in VAT and income tax fraud following an investigation by HMRC.

David Douglass failed to declare his income or pay the tax due on earnings of more than £1m over a 13-year period. He spent the money on luxury cars and holidays.

A regulated financial adviser, Douglass specialised in investment portfolios and pensions. According to the FSA register, he worked for Honister Partners between 2009 and July 2012, Bates Investment Services from 2006 to 2009 and Berry Birch & Noble Financial Planning from 2001 to 2006.

Adrian Farley, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, said: 'It was pure greed that motivated Douglass to abuse his position as a trusted tax adviser, solely to line his own pockets and enjoy a lifestyle beyond his means.

'He advised his clients on how much tax they were due to pay, while ignoring his own advice by taking his fee without putting it through the company books or paying anything to HMRC on his own income.'

In court, Douglass was criticised for his "cavalier attitude" and sentenced to 18 months in jail.

HMRC is now taking confiscation action to retrieve the proceeds of his crime.