A DARLINGTON scrap metal company is due to stand trial after being accused of failing to give security for payments of more than £500,000.

Ward Bros (Steel) Ltd appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Billy Ward, 43, of Merryfield Hall, Low Coniscliffe, and Nathan Ward, 39, of Merrybent, have also both appeared at the court charges with the same offences of failing to comply with pay as you earn (PAYE) regulations.

Read more: Darlington woman denies throwing a hamster out of a window

Ward Bros is based in Cleveland Street, Darlington. 

All three pleaded not guilty to failing to two charges comply with PAYE regulations to giving security for payments.

The first relates to April 18 last year, when it is said to have been required to give security for national insurance contributions of £366,666.45 to HM Revenue and Customs.

Read more: County Durham woman admits making false report to police

The company also pleaded not guilty to another charge of failing to comply with PAYE regulations to give security in the sum of £241,460.

The case was adjourned for a trial to take place.

It is scheduled to take place at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on July 18.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054