A MAN has been sentenced after selling a property in Kirkby Stephen, whilst being bankrupt.

On Wednesday 6 January, Harvey Tudor, 74, was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, as well as a three-month curfew and a contribution to prosecution costs of £2,200.

Appearing before District Judge Garland at Preston Magistrates’ Court, the court heard that Harvey Tudor was made bankrupt in January 2014 owing creditors just over £52,000. 

Bankruptcy restrictions are normally lifted after 12 months, but Harvey Tudor failed to cooperate with the Official Receiver and his discharge from bankruptcy was suspended indefinitely.

Whilst still a bankrupt, in February 2015 Harvey Tudor sold a property in Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, that he jointly owned with his wife.

Harvey Tudor split the proceeds, receiving just under £59,000, but failed to inform the Official Receiver of this amount as he was obliged to do before spending the sum over the course of the next two years

On 6 November 2020 at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court, Harvey Tudor pleaded guilty to one count of failing to declare property whilst bankrupt.

District Judge Garland told Harvey Tudor that it was his duty to report the house sale and not doing so was a “big mistake”.

Julie Barnes, chief investigator at the Insolvency Service, hopes that Mr Tudor’s sentence will provide a reminder to people who are currently bankrupt.

Ms Barnes said: “Harvey Tudor knew his legal obligations when he was made bankrupt. 

“Despite this, he tried to hide the proceeds from the sale of his house from his trustees to avoid repaying his creditors.

“This case shows that we will not hesitate to take these matters to the criminal courts where it is appropriate to do so, and this sentence should act as a warning to others who try to hide their assets while bankrupt.”