An Ipswich businessman is facing a bill of more than £14,000 after appearing in court to admit a VAT offence.

Morgan Decker, of Pine Avenue, Ipswich, pleaded guilty at the town’s South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court to supplying goods/services without giving a security when required.

The offence occurred between October 8, 2014 and May 31, 2015.

The 37-year-old’s company Monkey Wine Bars Ltd, of Tacket Street, Ipswich, was also on the court list for the same offence. However, the charge was withdrawn as the business is now in liquidation.

Decker admitted supplying services, namely the taxable supply of services, by Monkey Wine Bars Ltd without giving security as required to do so by a notice dated September 8, 2014.

This contravened a condition requiring Decker to give a security for the payment of any VAT which was, or may have, become due to him.

The court heard Decker had intended to pay HM Revenue and Customs, but had not done so.

The magistrates made an award of compensation to HMRC of £12,919 which Decker must pay.

He was also fined £1,250 and ordered to pay £120 to the victims’ fund along with £85 towards prosecution costs.

The Bench gave him 14 days to make arrangements with the court for payment.