In windy conditions, Storrie, 57, walked up the steps to City of Westminster Magistrates Court in Horseferry Road, London.

Dressed in grey trousers, a blue, pink and white striped shirt, spotted tie and navy blue blazer, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth from behind the glass- panelled dock in court one on the third floor.

Storrie, from Hayling Island, looked straight ahead as the charge against him was read out.

It is alleged that between July 1, 2003 and November 28, 2007 he cheated the public revenue with 'intent to defraud and prejudice' Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

The charge centres on the transfer of midfielder Amdy Faye from Auxerre to Pompey in August 2003.

It is alleged that a £250,000 signing-on fee for Faye was paid into agent Willie McKay's bank account and that tax and national insurance on the sum were not paid.

Storrie was granted unconditional bail by deputy senior district judge Daphne Wickham during his fleeting court appearance – which came 17 days after he was formally charged as part of a probe into corruption in football by the City of London Police.

Last month Storrie vowed to clear his name after he was was informed of the decision to prosecute him.

A statement posted on Portsmouth Football Club's official website after the hearing read: 'No evidence was served by those prosecuting who did, however, provide an 11-page preliminary summary, the contents of which represent the same "flight of fantasy" as the earlier disclosure had promised.

It later added: 'We maintain that these proceedings are a waste of public monies which continue to impact on Mr Storrie's life, and the lives of those persons close to him.

'Mr Storrie and his family eagerly anticipate the exoneration that will follow. He would like to thank everyone both in and outside the football world including club supporters, owners and the media for their continuing support.'

Storrie will appear at Southwark Crown Court in London for a plea and case management hearing in January 2010.

GLOOMY WEATHER MATCHES BUSINESSMAN'S MOOOD

The dark and gloomy weather conditions in central London appeared to mirror Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie's mood on his arrival at the City of Westminster Magistrates Court.

His expression was as grim as the blustery winter weather as the 57-year-old ignored calls from the awaiting huddle of photographers, making his way up the steps and through the Horseferry Road court's glass doors.

Once through security Mr Storrie briefly loitered in the reception area before heading to court one on the third floor for his first appearance since being charged with tax evasion almost two weeks ago.

Shortly before 11am he entered the brightly-lit court room where a raft of reporters was waiting.

After sitting at the back of the court for a few moments he took a few short steps to his right, through a wooden door into the glass panelled dock to face deputy senior district judge Daphne Wickham to face the charge against him.

A solemn-faced Mr Storrie stood to confirm his name and date of birth, then rose from his seat a second time while the charge against him was read out.

That was it – the hearing over in a matter of minutes.

Just over an hour later a strongly-worded statement was posted on Portsmouth Football Club's website, branding the legal proceedings a 'waste of public monies' and 'an attack upon his character.'

The club was also keen to reinforce Mr Storrie's earlier vow that he will be exonerated.

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