A man has been accused of fraudulently claiming more than £75,000 in VAT returns while operating a gym.

Steven Corbersmith appeared at magistrates’ court in Ipswich on Tuesday, charged with fraud by false representation over a three-year period.

The 41-year-old is accused of dishonestly making false representations that VAT returns were genuinely due from the Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs during a period between February 1, 2013 and May 3, 2016, intending to gain £75,165.16.

The accusation relates to VAT claims made on behalf of SLC Health and Fitness Club, in Walton-on-the-Naze, where the court heard Corbersmith was a director.

Giving a care-of address in Maidstone Road, Felixstowe, he entered no plea to the charge, which magistrates’ said was unsuitable for summary trial.

Corbersmith was granted unconditional bail until his first appearance at Ipswich Crown Court on April 24.