A 69-year-old Santon man has appeared in court denying VAT evasion in the region of £4.3million.

John George Moore, of Meary Voar, failed to appear in Deputy High Bailiff’s Court on Tuesday morning but a warrant was issued and he was brought to court in the afternoon.

Mr Moore had previously missed scheduled court dates due to ill health but had failed to provide medical evidence when requested to do so.

Mr Moore pleaded not guilty to two counts of the offence, which was said to have been committed as a director of a company with his wife Patricia Moore.

Mrs Moore has previously been committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

Mr Moore was also committed to the higher court to appear there on a date to be decided. He was granted bail in the sum of £1,000.