A couple are to face a jury trial accused of making a fraudulent attempt to buy a house in Sidmouth.
Richard and Hazel Jerome pleaded not guilty to seven counts of fraud when they appeared at Exeter Crown Court on Wednesday, October 17, five of which relate to the two properties in the West Country.
Former minicab driver Richard, aged 65, and ex-primary school teacher Hazel, aged 62, of Watling Street, Towcester, were released on conditional bail pending a trial next July.
They are both accused making false representations that they had the funds to purchase the Gazebo, in Peak Hill Road, Sidmouth, and Valhalla, in West Looe Hill, Looe between 2009 and 2011.
They also face three charges of obtaining more than �1,000 worth of surveys on the properties by deception.
The couple also deny two more counts of fraud which allege they made false representations that they intended to purchase Ambleside House and Badby Lodge Farm, both near Northampton, between 2010 and 2011.
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