An alleged lottery fraudster appeared in court today accused of falsely claiming a £2.5m lottery win with a fake ticket.

Edward Putman, 53, of Kings Langley, Watford, denied one charge of fraud by false representation.

He appeared before St Albans Magistrates Court.

It is alleged that the National Lottery paid out the huge sum in 2009 after Putman claimed to be the owner of an unclaimed ticket just before the six-month deadline.

The winning numbers - 6, 9, 20, 21, 31 and 34 - were drawn on March 11 that year and matched a ticket bought in Worcestershire worth £2.5m.

Mr Putman, who had been out on bail following his arrest, was remanded to appear before St Albans Crown court on 19 November for a pre-trial and preparation hearing.