A GROUP of nine people accused of taking part in the kidnap of a nine-year-old child appeared before Sunderland magistrates yesterday.

David Alexander, 33, and Jane Alexander, 35, both of Vanguard Court, Doxford Park, Sunderland, are both charged with aiding and abetting the kidnap between January 31 and February 28 last year.

Ellen Thompson Snr, 62, and Hugh Thompson, 66, also of Vanguard Court, Pauline Thomson, 37, of Borrowlea Road, Stirling, Scotland, and Ellen Thompson Jnr, 36, of Sefton Square, Sunderland, were all accused of conspiracy to kidnap. Also facing conspiracy charges were Brian Morgan, 61, of Roden Place, Cardiff, Stuart Carnie, 37, of North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen, and Penny Mellor, 38, of Corven Mill Close, Wolverhampton.

Committal procedures which began yesterday are expected to last three days.