A MAN has denied abducting a child and making a distressing phone call to the child’s mother.

Lewis Botfield, aged 24, of Drum Way, Heathfield, near Newton Abbot, pleaded not guilty to three charges when he appeared at Exeter Crown Court by video link from the city’s prison.

He denied controlling and coercive behaviour during which he caused a woman to fear that violence would be used against her on at least two occasions between October 31, 2022 and January 31 this year.

He also denied abducting a child from the lawful custody of the same woman on January 30 this year and sending her an electronic communication with intent to cause distress and anxiety on February 4.

Judge David Evans set a trial date of September 27 and remanded Botfield in custody.