CARERS have denied defrauding an elderly woman by withdrawing money and setting up online shopping accounts in her name.

John Miles, 32, and Louise Miller, 28, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court via videolink yesterday.

Together, they are charged with two counts of fraud.

It is alleged that between March 28, 2010, and September 30, 2015, the pair were acting as carers for a woman in Clacton when they defrauded her by withdrawing money in her name from her bank account.

It is alleged they opened credit card accounts and online shopping accounts in her name.

No figure was given at the court yesterday but at the earlier magistrates court hearing, the figure for the fraud was put at £72,263.71.

Speaking only to confirm their names and that they understood proceedings, the pair, both of Alexandra Road, Colchester, each denied two counts of fraud.

Miles admitted a separate charge of producing a controlled drug of Class B, by growing 14 cannabis plants on or before December 12, 2015.

Miller denied this charge.

Both were released on unconditional bail with a trial set for February 21 next year.

Judge Christopher Morgan said: “It is over a year away so it’s important you keep in touch with your solicitors and you provide them with the information which will be required to prepare the defence in this case.

“In any fraud case it is particularly important a defendant gives instructions to their lawyers, allowing that detail in the context of fraud to be set down.

“As far as the trial is concerned and any hearing you are both required to attend, if you fail to attend the hearing and there is no good explanation, a warrant may be issued for your arrest. If you fail to attend, the trial may go ahead in your absence.”