A BUSINESSMAN accused of “rogue trading” has given evidence in his trial.

Trevor Bateman, who is jointly charged with business partner David Merriman and former Premier League footballer Phil King, took to the witness stand at Oxford Crown Court yesterday.

Bateman, 54, denies 11 counts of fraud, 10 of engaging in an unfair commercial practice, one of engaging in an aggressive commercial practice and five charges of transferring criminal property.

The offences relate to allegedly shoddy or unfinished building work carried out at 10 homes in Oxfordshire.

Bateman, of Oakham Close, Swindon, admitted one job in Benson did over-run but said it was partly because large cobbles had to be removed in hot temperatures.

The owner of the property had earlier told the trial he had paid the builders’ suppliers directly for materials and later discovered this included paying for 450 roof tiles that were not used on his house. Bateman told jurors this happened before he became involved in the job.

Merriman, 49, of Swansdowne Drive, Clifton, Nottinghamshire, and King, 43, Rodbourne Road, Swindon, deny all the charges. The trial continues.