A former Lanarkshire boxer facing VAT evasion charges missed a court date this week as he was in Romania fighting for custody of his son.
Craig Windsor allegedly avoided paying nearly £43,000 in relation to his gym and sports supplement businesses in Coatbridge.
The 40-year-old failed to attend a hearing at Airdrie Sheriff Court and his solicitor, Rowan Myles, explained that he is currently in Romania.
Last year Windsor, of Highburnside Avenue in Coatbridge, put up a £20,000 reward for the return of his son after claiming his estranged wife had abducted him.
Mr Myles told the court that his client has recently won custody of the child after legal proceedings in Romania.
But Windsor claimed his return to Scotland has been delayed after his wife "shredded" their son's passport.
Sheriff Joseph Hughes continued the VAT case until next month for his personal appearance.
Windsor is accused of submitting false invoices to HMRC over a three-year period.
It’s alleged he was knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of VAT of £33,203.88 in relation to Windsor's Gym Limited in Coatbridge.
A second charge states that he evaded paying £9717 in respect of W2 Supplements Limited.
Prosecutors allege he received repayment from HMRC that he was not entitled to.
A third charge states that he submitted false invoices relating to VAT payments of £14,260.26 in respect of purchases by W2 Supplements that had not, in fact, been made.
The offences are said to have been committed between July 2013 and April 2016.
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