A FORMER South Tyneside scaffolding boss has filed for bankruptcy, with estimated debts of £1.3m.
John Robertson attended a three-hour hearing at Sunderland County Court.
Mr Robertson, 44, of York Avenue, Jarrow, said: “I’m gutted about being declared bankrupt after being in business for 15 years.
“It was horrendous to appear before a bankruptcy court, but given the size of my debts, I felt I had no other choice.
“I put myself forward voluntarily for bankruptcy because I have outstanding debts of around £1.3m, involving the Inland Revenue, Barclays Bank and mortgages.”
Mr Robertson is also due to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court this week on a charge of criminal damage.
He is accused of smashing his 22ft truck into Strathmore House, the headquarters of South Tyneside Homes, at Jarrow’s Viking Industrial Estate on March 20.
It is claimed he caused damage totalling almost £160,000.
Untily recently, Mr Robertson employed 20 staff at Robertson Scaffolding at Wagonway Industrial Estate, Hebburn.
But he later became embroiled in a contractual dispute with South Tyneside Homes.
His business has now been dissolved.
He added: “I’m used to being my own boss and working 18 hours a day, so to be declared bankrupt and have no business is really hard.”
But despite his problems, Mr Robertson said he is “heartened” by support from friends and business associates in the community.
And after receiving 767 votes after standing as an Independent candidate for the Primrose ward in Jarrow in the recent local elections, Mr Robertson revealed he plans to continue pressing for a seat on South Tyneside Council.
