A heavily-pregnant 16-year-old and three men have denied holding a man hostage for three days.

The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused along with Alfie Healy, 18, of Cranes Court, Basildon, Scott Gould, of no fixed address and Christopher Nagar, 22, of Manor Park, London.

They are charged with imprisoning their victim at Cranes Court between February 8 and 11.

All four pleaded not guilty at Basildon Crown Court.

It is alleged the man was threatened with a knife and assaulted during the ordeal.

The girl, who is expected to give birth within the next few weeks, was granted unconditional bail while she awaits trial.

Healy and Nagar also denied carrying out an aggravated burglary on February 20.

All three men remain in custody.

A trial date has been provisionally set for November 1 but is expected to be brought forward when Healy and Nagar appear in court again, on August 11.

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