A FORMER Augusta couple who ran a successful holiday home rental agency in the town have been charged with stealing $54,000 from their clients.
Peter James Hawkes, 56, and his wife Hazlynda Binte, 44, now of Margaret River, are the directors of holiday home management agency Augusta Get aways.
The couple made their first appearance in Margaret River Magistrates Court this week before Magistrate Elizabeth Hamilton. Neither Mr Hawkes or Ms Binte entered a plea but acknowledged they understood the charges read by police prosecutor Sergeant John Mawson.
They were each charged with 11 counts of stealing.
Three charges related to instances involving more than $10,000 each.
The largest amount was $12,500.
The large sums involved mean the case is likely to proceed to trial before the District Court unless Ms Binte and Mr Hawkes plead guilty.
Augusta Police executed a search warrant on the Augusta home of Mr Hawkes and Ms Binte in June this year, seizing business records.
It is alleged that between January 1 last year and June this year, the husband and wife received $54,000 from holidaying tenants which they failed to pass on to the homeowners.
It is unclear whether the couple is still operating Augusta Getaways, however the business' website and Facebook page is still running.
There are 28 properties listed for holiday rental on the website, including properties in Augusta, Molloy Island, Hamelin Bay, Karridale and Boranup.
The case was adjourned for further hearing in Busselton Magistrates Court on October 21 to enable Mr Hawkes and Mr Binte to seek legal advice.
Both were bailed without surety.