Child abuse charge man not in the dock

Colin Blanchard (38), from Littleborough, near Rochdale, Greater Manchester, who was due to appear in court alongside two women charged in connection with a child abuse investigation, was not produced in court.

Blanchard is charged with four offences, three of which are over indecent images of children.

Nursery worker Vanessa George (39), from Plymouth, Devon, and Angela Allen (39), from Nottingham, both appeared at Bristol Crown Court charged with several counts of sexual assault and distributing indecent images.

George and Allen spoke only to confirm their names. No pleas were entered.

A plea and case management hearing was fixed for 1 October at Bristol Crown Court.

All three remain held in custody.