DOUBLE glazing salesman Joel Millett saw a window of opportunity to avoid paying tax.

The self-employed canvasser and agent, of Waterleaze, Taunton, earned £79,000 commission over two years, but failed to declare the sum to HM Revenue & Customs.

He had already pleaded guilty at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on October 24 to defrauding £16,082 in Income Tax and National Insurance contributions from earnings between April, 2011, and April, 2013.

This week, Millett was sentenced to six months’ prison, suspended for 12 months, at the same court.

He must also complete 120 hours’ community work.

Colin Spinks, assistant director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC, said: “Millett stole £16,000 from public finances and would probably have continued his fraud had HMRC officers not stopped him.

“Our message is clear – we will always investigate people suspected of tax fraud.

“We would ask anyone with information about this type of crime to contact the Tax Fraud Hotline on 0800-788887.”

The court heard that Millett has made two payments to HMRC totalling £10,000.

The court ordered him to pay £3,000 within 14 days and £250 per month thereafter.