Two men accused of a brutal burglary in which an elderly couple had boiling water poured over them will now stand trial early next year.

Daniel Wallace, 32, formerly from Dagenham, Essex, now of no fixed address, and Drew Morris, 26, of Downhall Road, Rayleigh, Essex, have denied aggravated burglary at the couple's home in Halstead, near Sevenoaks, on April 26 this year while “armed” with cable ties.

They also deny two charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two of false imprisonment.

A third defendant, Kacey Adams, 33, of Covert Road, Hainault, Ilford, Essex, has not yet entered pleas to the charges.

The three were accompanied in court by three prison officers and one dock officer.

Judge Julian Smith said when Wallace first appeared in June that the allegations involved a three-hour ordeal for the 66-year-old businessman and his wife, aged 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.”

Judge Smith said “profound bodily harm” was caused to the wife and her husband was forced to watch. She had been seriously ill in intensive care.

David Malone, for Wallace and Adams, said at the latest hearing today: “It is pretty obvious to everybody they are horrific allegations.”

The case at Maidstone Crown Court had been set for November 21 this year but Judge Jeremy Carey moved it to March 20 at the request of defence lawyers.

The three men were remanded in custody.