Lorry driver accused of avoiding alcohol duty relating to 15,000 litres of wine

A lorry driver arrested in Northampton is accused of having fake number plates and transporting wine with unpaid duty of Â£43,000.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th May 2016, 06:25 BST

Noel O’Connor, from Dungannon in Northern Ireland. was arrested following a road accident in Northampton at about midday on February 2.

O’Connor is accused of having fake number plates and a falsified cargo list relating to 15,000 litres of wine.

Mr O’Connor, aged 35, appeared in Northampton Magistrates’ Court yesterday and pleaded not guilty to a charge of avoiding alcohol duty.

Matthew Thomas, prosecuting, said the details of the case made the charge too serious to be dealt with by magistrates.

The case was adjourned and sent to Northampton Crown Court to be heard later this year.