Two estate agents are standing trial after allegedly attempting to defraud a man with schizophrenia, it has been reported.

According to the Times, Malcolm Green and Gem Shevket are facing eight charges related to the case, including theft and conspiracy to defraud, at London''s Snaresbrook Crown Court.

The prosecution told the court that their alleged victim, Marshall Davis, had given Mr Green and Mr Shevket money he had inherited to invest in property, with the pair promising that he would receive more than £500 billion in returns.

He also handed over share certificates, gold and jewellery to the pair, the prosecution said.

The paper quoted prosecutor Mark Halsey as telling the court: "It would have been obvious to anyone that Mr Davis was mentally ill."

Earlier this year, the Camden New Journal reported that the trial of the pair, who both worked for Greenfields estate agents, had been delayed repeatedly.

Both Mr Shevket and Mr Green deny all the charges against them, with the trial continuing.