Three men will go on trial later this year after denying allegations of false imprisonment and making a threat to kill.

Lithuanian nationals Vakaris Broska, 20, Ernestas Kojelos, 27, and Irmantus Petravicius, 25, have all appeared at Carlisle Crown Court.

During a short hearing in front of Judge Tony Lancaster, they entered not guilty pleas to three charges.

They each denied the alleged false imprisonment of Nerijus Jasiunas, allegedly making a threat to kill him and also one allegation of assaulting him by beating.

Each of the charges relate to incidents which are alleged to have occurred in the Carlisle area on February 11.

All of the defendants appeared in court over a video link from Durham prison. They entered their pleas with the assistance of an interpreter.

A case timetable was agreed during the hearing by the respective lawyers in the case - Beccy McGregor for the prosecution; Paul Tweddle for Broska and Mark Shepherd for Kojelis.

Petravicius did not have legal representation but efforts were being made to secure this, the court heard.

A trial, estimated to last around three days, is set to take place at the crown court in the week of May 2.

In the meantime Broska and Kojelis, both of Currock Road, Carlisle; and Petravicius, of Lancaster Road, Rugby, Warwickshire, were remanded in custody by the judge.