A BUSINESSMAN appeared in court accused of dodging taxes for nearly eight years.

Barry Nethercott allegedly failed to declare dividend payments to him in Brighton to HMRC.

The 67-year-old appeared before Brighton Magistrates' Court to answer a charge that he fraudulently evaded income tax.

He spoke to confirm his name and address, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Victoria Grey represented the Crown Prosecution Service during the hearing while Christopher Maynard represented Nethercott.

Nethercott is accused of earning £658,000 in dividends as a director of Team Onyx Ltd.

But HMRC say he did not declare the income and therefore did not pay £209,000 in tax.

District Judge Amanda Kelly said: "You are charged with an allegation of knowingly being concerned in he evasion of income tax between April 6, 2010 and January 31, 2018."

The judge told Nethercott, of Withdean Court Avenue, Brighton, he will next appear before Lewes Crown Court on June 24.