An agent is to go on trial over allegations he defrauded people of over £250,000.

Russell Baker, 57, of Green Lane, Ilsington, near Newton Abbot, pleaded not guilty to 17 counts of fraud and money laundering at Exeter Crown Court.

The court heard the alleged offences took place over a three-year period between 2011 and 2014.

They include allegations that he committed fraud by abusing his position as a letting agent to gain money for himself.

Other charges allege Baker failed to pay back loans to various individuals, one of £50,000.

Between October 31, 2012, and February 4, 2014, Baker is accused of fraudulent trading in relation to Bovey Tracey based Ashby’s Estate Agents (Devon) Ltd.

The prosecution has been brought by Devon County Council Trading Standards.

The trial date was set for March 7 at Exeter Crown Court.

The local paper reports the case here