A MAN has appeared in court in connection with a fraud case that allegedly left Cotswold estate agents £159,000 out of pocket.

Jeffrey Hoslett, of Crosshills, Keighley, West Yorkshire, is accused of trading for a fraudulent purpose by carrying on a business with intent to defraud creditors.

He ran a Cotswold residential lettings business, collecting rent on behalf of landlords and Gloucester Crown Court heard that the charges involve about £159,000 that was allegedly defrauded from clients.

The 43-year-old is yet to make a plea. He was bailed pending a plea and case management hearing on Aug 30.