The wife of a millionaire property mogul has been ordered to pay more than £3,000 in overdue council tax.

Judith Wilson, of Boughton Monchelsea, was due to attend Maidstone Magistrates’ Court but failed to turn up after her husband, Fergus, 66, requested to move the date of the hearing - because he was filming for an upcoming episode of Panorama.

Mrs Wilson, of Peens Lane, who is usually represented by her husband, was charged with 10 counts of not paying council tax for homes which are part of the couple’s portfolio.

The court heard how Maidstone Borough Council had contacted Mrs Wilson a number of times but that Mr Wilson had protested it was not their responsibility to pay.

Carole Stevenson, court officer for Mid Kent Revenues and Benefits Partnership, requested that 10 liability orders demanding payment be sent to Mrs Wilson in relation to nine properties in the Maidstone area.

At the hearing on Thursday, the request was approved by the court with a total of £3,288 to be paid, including a £60 summons fee and £500 in costs.