A MAN denied tax evasion during a hearing at Worcester Crown Court.

Anthony Howlett, aged 59, of Bedwardine Close, Rushwick, near Worcester entered not guilty pleas to two tax fraud charges at the hearing before judge Nicolas Cartwright on Wednesday.

The first charge is that he knowingly conspired in the fraudulent evasion of VAT in Worcester between October 1, 2010 and November 30, 2016, the particulars being that he took steps with a view to obtain VAT credit by the submission of false VAT returns in respect of Anthony Howlett, trading as Specialist Distribution, AJ Freight Limited and AJ Freight (Sameday Ltd).

The second count on the indictment is that he was knowingly involved in the fraudulent evasion of income tax and National Insurance contributions. The particulars of the charge are that between April 6, 2010 and April 5, 2016 in Worcester he was knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of income tax and National Insurance contributions.

Alison Scott-Jones, prosecuting, said the case had been served upon the defence with a defence case statement, expert report and witnesses to be finalised by October 31.

Howlett was represented at the hearing by Jason Patel.

The trial, expected to last four days, is scheduled to be heard by judge Jim Tindal on April 8 next year.

Howlett was granted unconditional bail.