A 54-year-old woman has appeared before magistrates accused of being involved in a £60,000 VAT tax fraud.

Maxine Brooks, of Armathwaite, is alleged to have been knowingly concerned in the evasion of VAT payments between September, 2011 and November, 2016.

She is accused of submitting false VAT returns.

The offence is said by the prosecution to have happened in Taunton, Somerset.

At Carlisle's Rickergate magistrates' court yesterday, Brooks entered a not guilty plea to the allegation.

Magistrates ruled that the case should be sent to Carlisle Crown Court for an initial hearing on October 23.

The defendant spoke only to confirm her name and address.

She was granted unconditional bail.