Two letting agents have denied fraud.

George and Kim Overill, and two companies they run, face a combined 38 counts of fraud, engaging in unfair commercial practices and fraudulent trading.

The couple deny all the charges on behalf of themselves and Oakpark Asset Management and Oakpark Properties UK, based in Harwich, Essex.

Kim Overill, of Thorpe, Esex, is accused of multiple counts of engaging in unfair commercial practices between July 2009 and August 2014, and failing to deal with tenants’ deposits properly.

She is accused of fraudulent trading, under the Companies Act, by being a knowing party to the carrying on of two businesses for fraudulent purposes during periods between 2009 and 2014.

She also faces ten counts of fraud by abuse of position, as the manager of the companies, against ten different tenants.

The value of the alleged frauds ranges from £325 to £3,550.

Her husband George Overill, 59, faces multiple counts of engaging in unfair commercial practices, fraudulent trading and fraud by abuse of position.

Oakpark Asset Management and Oakpark Properties face similar charges to the couple.

According to the local paper, discussions are ongoing about possible resolutions outside of the courtroom, although the couple still deny any wrongdoing either as individuals or as a company director or manager.

If these cannot be resolved the trial will begin at Chelmsford Crown Court next May 15.