MILLIONAIRE brothers say they feel “betrayed” after the actions of their trusted accountant meant they racked up hundreds of thousands of pounds in fines.

Adrian Lummis is facing a £300,000 bill after a High Court judgement ruled he breached his professional duties and used cash which he was not entitled to.

Mr Lummis spent 30 years running the personal and professional tax affairs of brothers Douglas and James Edwards and their partners.

The pair run a metal recycling firm in Ardleigh with an annual turnover of £20million and own several student properties around the Hythe in Colchester.

Mr Lummis was a childhood friend who was trusted to look after the accounts for their numerous businesses.

However concerns were raised when Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs began demanding payments for taxes the brothers thought had been paid and the accountant’s failings came to light.

In a joint statement, the brothers said: “For us, it was the feeling of betrayal that hurt the most.

“As a company and as people, we trusted him and knew him for well over 30 years.

“We classed him as a friend and we were betrayed.”

Mr Lummis of The Street, Weybread, was criminally charged and faced three counts of fraud by abuse of position.

The 53-year-old was said to have paid himself three cheques - for £20,000, £125,000 and £42,000 - but was cleared of all three charges by a jury at Ipswich Crown Court.

He has repaid almost £187,000 after inheriting a significant amount following the death of his estranged wife.

Civil proceedings were brought claiming misappropriation of funds and breach of professional duties with seven victims claiming a total of £350,000.

The High Court ordered Mr Lummis to pay almost £35,000 to Douglas Edwards and almost £30,000 to Helen Edwards during a hearing at the High Court earlier this month. He was also ordered to pay almost £33,000 to James Edwards and almost £85,000 combined to Douglas and James combined.

The accountant must also pay more than £68,000 to Nationwide Metal Recycling Ltd and about £10,000 in total to two other businesses based in Ipswich and Colchester.

Mr Lummis did not attend the High Court hearing earlier this month and was not represented.

The £304,000 is on top of the £187,000 already repaid.

Attempts were made to contact Mr Lummis but were unsuccessful.