First tax appeal case heard under online ‘video hearing’ pilot

The HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), launching the pilot last month, said it would explore how video hearings might improve access to justice and help cases progress faster.

The inaugural appeal was lodged by Owen Yarnold against £1,200 in HMRC fines for allegedly filing late tax returns for his business, The Guardian reports.

Judge Swami Raghavan oversaw the case and Belfast-based lawyer Orla O’Reilly presented evidence on behalf of HMRC.

The hearing lasted for two hours, with some delays due to “minor” technical problems, and the judgment reserved until after Easter.

A spokesperson for HMCTS said: “The first tax appeal case heard under the video hearing pilot has been successfully completed.

“There was a minor delay due to the quality of one participant’s internet connection, but we are pleased there were no issues with the supporting technology or platform.”