A man has been remanded in custody after being arrested in connection with the disappearance of a teenager.

Thomas Ireland, of Derwent Way, Rainham, has pleaded not guilty to “taking a child so as to keep them out of the lawful control of a person without lawful or reasonable excuse”.

The 48-year-old spoke only to enter the plea and confirm his name and address when he appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court this afternoon via videolink.

The court heard the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had gone missing from her family home. Her father raised the alarm after finding a note.

She was found in the Coopers Cask pub, Bower Lane, Maidstone, which is currently being renovated into homes.

Ireland will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on September 4.