A vet has appeared in court charged with defrauding more than £225,000 from pet insurance firms through bogus claims.

Dr Daniel Morgan is accused of trying to cheat insurers Petplan, Pet Protect, Direct Line and Sainsbury’s while working at 1066 Veterinary Centre in Battle Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex.

The 38-year-old of Goodworth Road, Redhill, Surrey appeared at City of London Magistrates Court on June 27.

The dishonest claims are said to have been made between September 2009 and December 2012.

Prosecutor Kandiah Bancroft-Binns said the alleged frauds involved amounts totalling £226,360.67.

Magistrates said they did not have the powers to deal with the matter and sent the case to the Old Bailey.

Morgan will appear at that court for a further hearing on July 22.

He was bailed on the condition he surrendered his passport.