A PLUMBING company has appeared in court accused of fraud costing homeowners more than £50,000.

Didcott-based MBFI Plumbing and Heating appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court on Monday, September 23, charged with three counts of fraud by false representation, as well as seven charges under the unfair trading regulations 2008.

Ken Belcher appeared at court on behalf of the company and made no plea to all of the 10 charges.

The three fraud offences the company was charged with included fraud by false representation while installing a shower room where the work was not completed or undertaken intending to gain £3,000.

A second fraud charge was for carrying out building work to a ground floor extension to gain £27,867.

A third fraud charge was for carrying out building work and installing a shower room intending to make a gain, namely £22,200.

The seven other charges included two of engaging in a commercial practice which was aggressive, one of engaging in a commercial practice which was a misleading action containing false information, and four charges of knowingly or recklessly engaging in a commercial practice.

The company will next appear at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday, October 24.

Mr Belcher was released on unconditional bail.