TWO men who went on a four day 'bender' after claiming they had won £4 million on a National Lottery scratchcard to go on trial for fraud.

Jon-Ross Watson and Mark Goodram celebrated after the scratchcard they bought from Waitrose in Clapham, London, in April last year hit the jackpot.

But Camelot, which runs the National Lottery, refused to pay out the massive prize, claiming that the debit card used to purchase the scratchcard did not belong to either of the pair and they did not have permission to use it.

At Bolton Crown Court Watson, aged 33, stood in the dock wearing a face mask and denied committing three offences.

He pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud by dishonestly claiming he was entitled to use a debit card in the name of Joshua Addyman to make a purchase at a Londis convenience store and Waitrose on April 22 last year.

In addition he denied fraud between April 21 and 25, 2019 by making false representation to Camelot that he was in lawful possession of two lottery scratchcards and was entitled to claim the prize money of £4 million.

Watson's co-accused, Mark Goodram, aged 37, of no fixed address, faces the same fraud charges.

Judge Timothy Stead was told that he had not attended the courtroom for the plea hearing as he has reported having symptoms of coronavirus. "I accept the explanation given," said Judge Stead.

A further hearing, for him to enter his plea, will take place on November 10.

A date for the trial, which is expected to last up to three days, was set for October 13 next year. In the meantime Watson was granted bail in relation to the case.

"It is a slightly unusual case, especially involving the higher value of the counts, £4 million, but the principles are straightforward," said Nicholas Ross, defending Watson.

Watson and Goodram hit the headlines last year after complaining when Camelot refused to pay out the £4 million, although £10 was paid out by a retailer for another scratchcard in the batch said to have been bought by the pair.

Initially, after learning they had a winning ticket, the two men went on a four day 'bender' to celebrate their good fortune, posting pictures of themselves with champagne and downing cocktails on social media.

Goodram told a national newspaper he planned to spend cash on luxury properties whilst Watson wanted to splash out on a Caribbean cruise.