Chris Evans 'lied about events before his sacking'

Chris Evans was accused yesterday of lying in court about "crucial" events that led to his sacking by the media company he is suing for £8.6m.

The former DJ and television presenter claims in the High Court that Virgin Radio withheld his share options after unfairly ending his breakfast show contract in a bitter bust-up.

Geoffrey Vos QC, for Scottish Media Group, owner of Virgin Radio, told Mr Justice Lightman that Mr Evans, 37, was "talented" and a "maverick". But "neither of these excuses the dishonesty with which he treated this court. Mr Evans was lying in important respects – not about insignificant matters."

Mr Evans said he was ignored when he tried to meet his bosses. But Mr Vos said he tried "to mislead" [the court] into thinking he had waited for three hours at Virgin Radio for the meeting in June 2001 but eventually admitted he was there for 75 minutes, drinking lager. Mr Vos said Mr Evans ran from problems – first by fleeing abroad in May 2001 and then by going on a drinking binge. The case continues.