A businessman accused of fraud, money-laundering and blackmail has denied all the charges.

Jack Darrell Henry, 47, who ran several Huddersfield-based council tax claims firms, appeared again at Leeds Crown Court.

Henry, who ran firms including Reband (UK) Ltd and Council Tax Review, was previously remanded in custody for breaching his bail.

He had been granted bail on condition he stopped canvassing for new business.

He breached that condition by touting for business in Halifax.

Calderdale magistrates found the case proved and he was remanded in custody.

Henry made two applications for bail before Christmas but both were refused.

Henry, of Lodge Lane, Norristhorpe, Liversedge, is charged with conspiracy to defraud; money-laundering; conspiracy to blackmail and acting as a company director while disqualified.

He was charged in April last year after an investigation – dubbed Operation Belle – by the regional Scambusters team, a specialist arm of Trading Standards run from York.

At a plea and case management hearing at Leeds Crown Court Henry entered formal not guilty pleas.

Four others also faced linked charges.

Henry’s partner Shahla Marie Rezai, 28, of the same Liversedge address, is accused of conspiracy to defraud and money-laundering.

Facing the same charges are saleswoman Wendy Ann Smith, 38, of Illingworth Road, Illingworth, Halifax, and Asif Iqbal, 43, of Hall Bower, Newsome.

John Charles Boon, 58, of Park Spring Rise, Leeds, is accused of conspiracy to defraud, demanding money with menaces and money-laundering.

Rezai, Iqbal and Boon denied all the charges.

Smith did not turn up at court and a warrant without bail was issued.

Not guilty pleas were entered on her behalf.

No further court dates were fixed and a six-week trial is set to start on July 21.