An agent in Norfolk has appeared before magistrates charged with allegedly defrauding landlords and tenants out of almost £50,000.

Victoria Steele, 51, reportedly faces 19 counts of fraud by false representation linked to her management of Swaffham-based letting agency eHomes.

The case follows allegations that rental income owed to landlords was not passed on and that tenant deposits were not placed into authorised protection schemes as required under housing legislation.

At Norwich Magistrates’ Court, prosecutors said the alleged offences took place between November 2011 and June 2018, during the period when Steele was director and sole shareholder of the business.

The investigation began in 2018 after around 40 individuals and organisations contacted police and Action Fraud alleging they were owed money. Those involved reportedly included private landlords and a Methodist church.

Steele, of Holme Hale near Necton, did not enter pleas when appearing before Norwich Magistrates’ Court. She is accused of dishonestly obtaining funds for personal gain while operating eHomes, formerly known as Prestige Properties Limited.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction on the basis that the case was too serious to be dealt with at magistrates’ court level and referred it to Norwich Crown Court. A plea and trial preparation hearing has been scheduled for 19 June. Steele was granted unconditional bail.

Prosecutor Katherine Newsom told the court there were a significant number of complainants and described the case as financially complex.

The court heard allegations that some complainants lost more than £4,100, while others were allegedly owed sums ranging from around £690 to £2,200. The total amount alleged to have been defrauded is £47,685.

eHomes ceased trading in 2018 and was formally dissolved in April 2019, according to Companies House records.

The court was told the sentencing starting point for the offences, if proven, would be 18 months’ imprisonment.