A £4m lottery winner from Kings Langley has appeared in court accused of continuing to claim benefits after his windfall.

Edward Putman, 46, is charged with continuing to claim income support and housing benefit for 20 months after winning the money in 2009.

Appearing at St Albans Magistrates Court on Tuesday (June 13), Putman spoke only to confirm his name and address although solicitor John Marchant indicated his client intended to plead guilty to the two charges of dishonestly failing to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of a change in circumstances.

The hearing was adjourned for three weeks to allow prosecutors to calculate the exact amount claimed although it is understood to be in the region of £15,000.

Mr Marchant added: "There will be guilty pleas on this matter but in current circumstances the charge sheet does not show the exact amount.

"The exact fine is important because my client is intent the full amount will be repaid prior to sentence."

Putman, of Station Road, Kings Langley, was released on unconditional bail and ordered to return to the court on July 3.