A Chelmondiston couple have denied spending more than £200,000, meant for the care and provision of their disabled son.

Simon Toloui, 67 and Rebecca Toloui, 54, of Main Road, Chelmondiston have both denied a charge of fraud by abuse of position.

Ipswich Crown Court heard how the couple owned an expensive house in the village, a foreign property and an expensive car, in addition to a range of designer goods.

Arthur Kendrick, prosecuting, said the Toloui's alleged "lavish" lifestyle also included a number of expensive holidays, with Rebecca Toloui also paying £13,000 for private surgery.

Mr Kendrick told the court that when their son moved into his own accommodation they spent the bare minimum on furnishings but claimed they had spent £10,000.

They had also allegedly arranged a lower level of care for their son than he required and had pocketed the difference, he added.

Simon Toloui was the victim's father and Rebecca Toloui was his stepmother and the victim had a severe form of autism, had learning difficulties and was non-verbal.

He was unable to live independently and required round-the-clock care by two carers.

It is alleged that a number of payments the couple received from Suffolk Independent Living, a direct payment support service operated by Suffolk County Council, were not used as intended for the care of their disabled son.

The Tolouis did not dispute that the money for the victim's care was paid to them at their request but the issue was whether they had dishonestly abused their position.

Mr Kendrick said: "They say it was spent directly or indirectly for his benefit and they didn't misuse it."

The offence is alleged to have taken place between June 28, 2015, and March 1, 2019.

The trial, which is expected to last several weeks, continues.