A PROFESSIONAL boxer is one of four men charged with kidnap and false imprisonment.

Heavyweight boxer Christopher Michael Burton, 33, of Lyonette Road, Darlington, did not enter a plea to either charge when he appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, today (Friday, August 1).

Jonathan Phillip Lockey, 25, of Hurworth Road, Hurworth Place, Darlington, and Damian Ainsley Mottram, 29, of Henderson Street, Darlington, also appeared, charged with the same alleged offences, which are said to have taken place in the town on Saturday, July 23.

Neither man entered a plea.

Magistrates committed the case to Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday, August 13.

All three men received conditional bail.

On Wednesday, July 30, Anthony Cooper, 29, of Bamburgh Place, Darlington, appeared at Peterlee Magistrates Court charged with the same offences.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday, August 13.