Millionaire property mogul Fergus Wilson has appeared in court accused of making offensive phone calls to staff at an energy company.

Representing himself, Wilson, of Boughton Monchelsea, appeared before Maidstone magistrates to deny the charge of sending grossly offensive or indecent communications to Eon Energy staff.

The 66-year-old former professional boxer, of Heath Road, is accused of calling the utility provider between January and April this year in contravention of the Malicious Communications Act 1988.

Mr Wilson asked that the case be sent to crown court, but magistrates rejected the request due to the nature of the offence.

A trial is likely to be set for the new year.