Former world darts champion Rob Cross has been disqualified from acting as a company director for five years after his business failed to pay more than £450,000 in tax. The Insolvency Service said it also found the darts player withdrew more than £300,000 from Rob Cross Darts Limited between 2020 and 2023 that should have gone to creditors. The ban prevents him from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court. Cross, who previously lived in Hastings but was born in Pembury, Kent, has been contacted for a comment by the BBC. In an attempt to repay part of his debts, Cross has entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement, a legally binding agreement where he has committed to making regular payments to an insolvency practitioner. Rob Cross Darts Limited was set up in May 2017 for the darts player to receive his earnings and prize money, the government said. The Insolvency Service said its investigations found the company received more than £1m from Mr Cross's earnings between the start of March 2020 and liquidation in November 2023. By the time the company went into liquidation, it owed £403,896 in corporation tax, £49,071 in VAT and £12,436 in PAYE and National Insurance contributions. The company had only paid £41,936 to HMRC between March 2020 and November 2023, the government said. Cross's director's loan account was also overdrawn by £423,608 when the company went into liquidation with liabilities of £579,805. More than £650,000 was also paid into the personal account of a connected party, the Insolvency Service added. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has also been contacted for a comment. Kevin Read, chief investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: "When directors fail to pay the correct amount of tax, it directly impacts the government's ability to fund vital public services such as the NHS, schools, transport infrastructure and our national defence." Follow BBC Sussex onFacebook, onX, and onInstagram. Send your story ideas tosoutheasttoday@bbc.co.ukor WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
Cross banned as director due to unpaid taxes
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rob Cross Disqualified as Company Director Following Tax Issues"
Bbc News
8.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Rob Cross, a former world darts champion, has been barred from serving as a company director for a period of five years due to significant unpaid taxes exceeding £450,000. The Insolvency Service revealed that Cross withdrew over £300,000 from his company, Rob Cross Darts Limited, between 2020 and 2023, funds that ideally should have been allocated to creditors. This disqualification prohibits him from engaging in any company management activities unless he receives court approval. Born in Pembury, Kent, and formerly residing in Hastings, Cross has not publicly commented on the situation following inquiries from the BBC. In an effort to address his financial obligations, he has entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement, which is a legally binding agreement to make regular payments to an insolvency practitioner to help repay part of his debts.
Rob Cross Darts Limited was established in May 2017 to manage Cross's earnings and prize money from his professional darts career. The company reportedly earned over £1 million from Cross's winnings from March 2020 until its liquidation in November 2023. However, by the time it was dissolved, the company had accumulated debts amounting to £403,896 in corporation tax, £49,071 in VAT, and £12,436 in PAYE and National Insurance contributions. Alarmingly, it had only managed to remit £41,936 to HMRC during the same period. Furthermore, the company's director's loan account was overdrawn by £423,608, with total liabilities reaching £579,805 at the time of liquidation. Additionally, more than £650,000 had been transferred into the personal account of an associated party, raising further concerns. Kevin Read, chief investigator at the Insolvency Service, emphasized the negative impact of such tax failures on government funding for essential public services, including healthcare and education.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news highlights a significant legal and financial issue involving former world darts champion Rob Cross, who has been banned from acting as a company director due to tax evasion and mismanagement of funds. This situation raises questions about accountability and the responsibilities of public figures in managing their finances.
Implications of the Ban
The disqualification of Cross from company management reflects the severity of financial misconduct, particularly tax evasion. The Insolvency Service's findings indicate that Cross withdrew a substantial amount from his company to the detriment of creditors, which could lead to a broader discussion about financial ethics among professional athletes and public figures. This ban serves as a cautionary tale regarding the importance of financial responsibility.
Public Perception and Response
The article aims to generate a sense of accountability among public figures. By bringing Cross's actions to light, it may encourage the public to scrutinize the financial dealings of other celebrities and athletes. The emphasis on the impact of tax evasion on public services may evoke a sense of outrage or concern among readers, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about funding for essential services like the NHS.
Potential Concealment of Other Issues
While the article is focused on Cross's financial issues, it may also serve to divert attention from other pressing news topics. By spotlighting this individual case, the media might be attempting to distract from broader systemic issues within tax administration or other scandals involving public figures.
Comparative Context in the Media
This coverage can be compared to other instances where high-profile individuals face legal challenges due to financial misconduct. It creates a narrative that places athletes under scrutiny, linking their personal business decisions to the larger economic landscape. Such stories often attract public interest and can influence perceptions of the sports industry.
Economic and Social Impact
The repercussions of this news could extend beyond Cross's personal finances, potentially affecting the darts community and its sponsors. As public sentiment shifts towards accountability, other athletes may feel pressured to ensure their financial practices are transparent and ethical. This incident may also spark discussions about the financial literacy of athletes and the need for better support systems.
Audience Reception
This news is likely to resonate with audiences concerned about financial integrity, including taxpayers and fans of professional sports. It may also appeal to those advocating for social responsibility among public figures. The focus on tax issues could provoke reactions from communities that prioritize fiscal responsibility and ethical conduct.
Market Influence
While this story might not directly impact stock markets, it could have implications for companies associated with Cross or the darts industry. Sponsors and investors may reconsider their affiliations with individuals who face legal issues, affecting brand reputations and financial decisions.
Geopolitical Relevance
Although this news does not directly pertain to global power dynamics, it reflects societal values around accountability and governance. As public figures are held to standards of financial propriety, the narrative contributes to ongoing discussions about the role of accountability in leadership.
Use of AI in Writing
It is possible that AI could have assisted in drafting this article, particularly in structuring the narrative and presenting information clearly. However, the human element remains critical in analyzing the implications of Cross's actions and the societal context surrounding them.
In conclusion, the article about Rob Cross's disqualification due to unpaid taxes presents a multifaceted view of accountability in public life, highlighting the need for ethical financial practices among athletes. The reliability of the news rests on official statements from the Insolvency Service and corroborating data regarding Cross's financial activities, suggesting a high degree of accuracy in reporting.