A man accused of committing a brutal burglary when an elderly couple had boiling water poured over them denied involvement when he appeared in court today.

Daniel Wallace, 32, pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary while “armed” with cable ties at the house in Halstead, on April 25, causing grievous bodily harm to the couple with intent and falsely imprisoning them.

Judge Julian Smith said at Maidstone Crown Court the allegations involved a three-hour ordeal for the 66-year-old businessman and his wife, 64.

“Two kettles were boiled,” he said. “Two were poured over the female victim and one over the male victim. They also attempted to cut off his ears.

“There were repeated blows and punches. They were detained and prevented from leaving the house. What happened was no doubt part of their plan for a developing situation, being detained and restrained.”

Profound bodily harm was caused to the wife and her husband was forced to watch and was questioned.

Prosecutor Bridget Todd said the woman was still seriously ill in intensive care.

“Her liver has failed,” she said. “There is no skin on her front and back. She has had skin grafts. She can’t speak.

“Because of the damage to her skin and so much of her body she is unable to retain any moisture which is why her kidneys and other internal organs are failing.”

“Her liver has failed. There is no skin on her front and back. She has had skin grafts. She can’t speak" - prosecutor Bridge Todd

Miss Todd said two others - a 33-year-old man from Ilford and a 29-year-old man, of no fixed address - had been arrested and were on bail while there were ongoing enquiries.

The property stolen included CCTV equipment, cash, jewellery, two watches, foreign currency, a cheque card and contents of a drawer.

Bearded Wallace, of no fixed address, will stand trial on November 21. A pre-trial review will be held on November 7.

He was remanded in custody.

The woman was said to have suffered burns to 30 per cent of her body and her husband to 10 per cent of his body.