David Henry, a pro-independence activist who reported alleged missing money at Yes Scotland to the police, was disqualified as a company director for eight years in 2011 over a £680,000 VAT row.
Disqualification details
Henry, 61, was a director of broadcasting firm Power TV. A 2011 Insolvency Service press release said he was disqualified after a hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. The investigation found he failed to ensure Power TV paid the appropriate tax.
The company reclaimed a VAT refund of over £680,000 from HMRC when Henry knew it could not be repaid. He did not return the money and instead used £500,000 in March 2005 to purchase shares in Rapture Television PLC, which failed in May 2009 with no known assets.
Tax tribunal findings
A 2008 VAT tribunal dismissed Power TV's appeal against HMRC, stating retention of the VAT money “might well be said to involve dishonesty.” The tribunal backed HMRC’s bid for expenses, saying Power TV’s position had no “logic, substance, merit or equity.”
Henry's response
Henry posted on X that he was previously banned as part of a civil case and that the ban ended over seven years ago. He said he has “always been upfront and honest” about the situation and regrets it. Speaking to the Record, he said he was “definitely” harshly treated: “It was a terrible lesson to have to learn.”
His disqualification is no longer in force, and he is currently a director of several companies. Henry was a former SNP branch secretary and has been a member of Alba and the Workers Party. A Yes Scotland source said Henry “clearly has an axe to grind” because he was not allowed to stand as an SNP candidate.
