Mother and daughter letting agents have faced each other across court in a bitter row – with each claiming against the other.

Caroline Baines used to work with her mother, Nicola Low, at Halcyon House lettings agency in Welwyn Garden City, Herts, but fell out in 2010.

The court heard that Mrs Low decided to cut her daughter’s pay while she was on maternity leave. Mrs Baines had expected to draw her normal monthly wage, but instead was told she would get only statutory pay.

Mrs Low says her daughter then helped herself to company money to make up the shortfall – something which Mrs Baines denies.

Mrs Baines then set up her own agency – and was accused by her mother of stealing clients.

Mrs Low is accused by her daughter of making malicious complaints to the police and a trade body.

Mrs Low is claiming £100,000 from her daughter, claiming breach of contract and duty.

Mrs Baines, together with a business colleague Sue Mogridge, are counter-claiming for over £50,000, claiming harassment, including “spiteful and malicious” complaints.

The case continues.