TWO Hampshire men took advantage of a vulnerable girl to take her away for a week, Southampton Crown Court heard.
The trio were eventually traced to a Dorset holiday park after a police helicopter crew spotted them emerging from a tent, jurors were told.
Prosecutor Francesca Da Costa alleged that both men – Shane Saunders and Anthony Chick – knew that the girl was only 15.
The girl met Chick at a dance course and her mother became so concerned about their relationship that she phoned him and asked him to stay away, but it continued, the court heard.
The girl left her mother’s home at about 1pm to spend time with a friend and was due to return at about 8pm, but she never came back that day. Her mother reported her missing and thought she was with Chick.
About a week later police had a tip-off that they had gone to a holiday park near Bridport. While officers went to the scene on foot, colleagues in a helicopter saw two men and a girl emerge from a tent. Both men were arrested.
Chick, 28, of Beech Crescent, Hythe, and Saunders, 24, of Ash Close, Hythe, deny abduction.
Proceeding.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article