SCUNTHORPE MP Elliot Morley has entered not guilty pleas to two counts of false accounting as ally Ian Cawsey MP called for 'justice to be seen to be done'.

Mr Morley, 57, entered the dock yesterday for the first time to confirm his name and address at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court.

He pledged after the hearing to 'robustly defend' himself against the charges and entered 'not guilty' pleas to two counts of false accounting.

Speaking after the initial hearing, Mr Cawsey said: "Elliot Morley has previously denied any wrong doing and he's now formally made that plea. What's important now is justice has to be seen to be done.

"I'm sure eventually a fair trial will be heard and we will have to see what the judgement is."

Mr Morley declined to comment in detail on the case after the hearing.

But he reiterated again: "I will be defending myself robustly and I don't think charges are justified.

"There will be hearing on the legal process first and I cannot comment because of subjudice restrictions."

Mr Workman ordered the three to appear at Southwark Crown Court in Central London on March 30 at 10am, warning them: "If you fail to appear you will be committing an offence but the case against you could still proceed in your absence."

Mr Knowles indicated the defendants would seek permission not to attend, and was told to put the request to the recorder.

For the full story, buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.

Comments have been suspended on this story for legal reasons.