Bristol Builder and Dad Nabbed for £100k COVID Bounce Back Loan Scam
A Bristol builder and his father have dodged jail after ripping off the government’s Covid-19 Bounce Back Loan scheme. James Leslie, 45, and his dad William Leslie, 74, both from Dundry, hoodwinked officials into handing over £100,000 for fake construction firms that barely existed.
Fake Figures and Fraudulent Claims
The duo exploited the pandemic relief programme designed for genuine businesses struggling to survive. James Leslie inflated turnover numbers for dormant companies Dartmouth Homes Ltd and Bampton Developments Ltd. He claimed Bampton’s 2019 turnover was £300,000 when it was actually just over £18,000.
Meanwhile, William Leslie wasn’t shy about applying for a second loan for Logan Housing Limited just days after a previous claim – fully aware he was breaking the rules.
Suspended Sentences, But Criminal Records Loom
Bristol Crown Court handed James a two-year prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. His father got 16 months, suspended for 12 months. Both men admitted guilt, with James confessing desperation drove him to commit fraud.
“James Leslie made numerous deliberate false representations to secure money he was not entitled to during a national emergency,” said David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service.
Forceful Warning from Authorities
Authorities are cracking down hard. Confiscation proceedings are underway under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to claw back the stolen cash. This case sends a loud message: abusing taxpayers’ funds during a crisis won’t be tolerated.
The community and officials hope this scandal deters similar frauds, preserving vital support for businesses genuinely in need.
