A former director of a popular Maidstone restaurant has appeared in court charged with knowingly evading paying more than £46,000 in VAT.

Abu Taher, a former director of Buddha Belly, which is situated on the corner of Pudding Lane and the High Street, appeared before Medway magistrates this morning.

He is charged with being knowingly concerned in fraudulent evasion of £46,667 of VAT between May 5, 2012 and December 1, 2013.

The 42-year-old, from Tunbridge Wells, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He will next appear at crown court on Friday, July 3.