Former Tory peer before court over expenses

Lord Taylor of Warwick is alleged to have dishonestly claimed more than 24,300 in overnight subsistence and mileage claims. He was summoned to face six charges at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court.

The first charge alleges that, on or about March 31 2006, Lord Taylor dishonestly submitted claims for overnight subsistence and car mileage stating that his main place of residence was outside London when he did not live at the address he had given but actually resided in the capital.

The subsequent charges allege similar claims were made on July 3 2006, October 31 2006, April 5 2007, July 2 2007 and October 31 2007.

Lord Taylor, who was wearing a blue suit and spotted tie, stood in the dock and spoke only to confirm his address and date of birth.

His defence counsel, Eddie Tang, gave an indication of his not guilty plea to the charges.

District judge Jeremy Coleman granted him unconditional bail and

ordered him to appear for a plea and case management hearing at Southwark Crown Court on September 17.