A MAN is to face trial next month accused of slavery.

A court heard how Nathan Owers was allegedly used for work in north Essex and Suffolk while receiving little pay and food and provided with poor living conditions.

Hadley Doran denied holding Mr Owers in slavery and two charges of assaulting him when he appeared in court last month.

The case was adjourned at the time as Mr Owers was thought to have left the country.

However, the court heard inquiries had been made by prosecutors and Mr Owers was not travelling to Egypt for six months as first thought.

Doran, 23, a landscaper from Vian Close, Gosport, Hampshire, is accused of holding Mr Owers in slavery or servitude between July 1 last year and March 23 this year.

The charge also alleges Mr Owers was forced to undertake work for little or no payment and provided with little food and inadequate accommodation.

Doran is also accused of assaulting Mr Owers by beating him between February 1 and 28 this year.

He was bailed ahead of his trial next month.