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A former Guisborough estate agent has appeared in court charged with fraud by abuse of position after allegedly pocketing almost £110,000 over several years.

Roger Darnton, 53, appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Monday facing two charges.

It is said that between April 2012 and November 2016 he committed fraud while acting as a lasting power of attorney for Sybil Littlefair, abusing the position to gain £4,487.96.

The second charge says that between November 2012 and January 2017 Darnton abused his position as executor of the estate of R.L Ramshaw to gain £105,168.55.

Darnton entered no formal pleas in court after his solicitor, Adam Hodge, said that no evidence had been served by the prosecution yet.

(Image: Teesside Live)

District judge Timothy Capstick said: "Given the figures involved, it's not suitable for summary trial."

He added that evidence in the case should be served within the next fortnight, with the case to appear next at crown court in a month's time.

Darnton, of West End Manors, The Copse, Guisborough, worked as an estate agent in the town for 35 years.

He attended the hearing wearing a black three-piece suit.

Asking the defendant to stand, the judge said: "Given the nature of the charges it will have to be dealt with at Teesside Crown Court."

A date of March 11 was set.

The judge added: "I have no reason to think you won't attend, you will have unconditional bail until then."