A FORMER estate agent has appeared in court to deny seven counts of fraud by abuse of position.

Simon Cawley who worked for Severn Sales and Lettings in Worcester at the time of the alleged frauds pleaded not guilty to all seven counts when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday.

The wording of the indictment was that he dishonestly and intending to make a gain for himself or another exposed another to risk and loss. The alleged offences are connected to not securing deposit money in ways compatible with the tenancy deposit scheme and failing to transfer money to various bank accounts.

The frauds were said to involve different complainants and properties across Worcester in Back Lane South, Winchester Avenue, Blakefield Gardens, Smith Avenue, Malvern Road and The Spinney.

The alleged offences were said to have happened on various dates between January 1, 2013 and February 28, 2015

The 52-year-old of Orchard View, Frogmore, Kingsbridge, Devon appeared before judge Robert Juckes QC in court one.

The case was prosecuted by Andrew Baker. Cawley was represented at the plea and trial preparation hearing by Jason Patel.

The trial was set down for July 30 next year at Hereford Crown Court. A pre-trial review will take place ahead of this hearing on January 18 next year.