By Joe Murphy
Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has categorically denied a charge of fraud over his alleged failure to declare overseas assets worth more than £400m.
Ecclestone, 91, officially submitted a not guilty plea as he appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in London for an initial hearing on Monday morning.
Prosecutors had authorised a charge of fraud by false representation for the time between July 2013 and October 2016, after tax officials carried out an international investigation into his finances.
The man, who has caused controversy with his recent comments seemingly supporting Vladimir Putin, was granted unconditional bail ahead of his next appearance at Southwark Crown Court in late September.
It is a complex investigation with the trail set to be long and expensive. The criminal charge relates to projected tax liabilities arising from a total of more than £400m, that was reportedly concealed from UK Tax Officials.
Ecclestone headed F1 racing and controlled the sport for four decades from the 1970s to 2017. Therefore, he was involved with the sport during the time frame in question.
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