A 26-YEAR-OLD man accused of kidnapping a schoolgirl was remanded in custody today after appearing in court in Ipswich.

A 26-YEAR-OLD man accused of kidnapping a schoolgirl was remanded in custody today after appearing in court in Ipswich.

Hector Seaman, from Colchester, faced charges of kidnap and failing to provide a blood sample on Sunday.

Wearing a light blue shirt and dark trousers, Seaman spoke only to confirm his name, his address and date of birth.

He did not enter a plea but his lawyer Natasha Nair said he intended to deny the charges.

Prosecutor Sandra Dyer outlined the details of the case to magistrates.

It is claimed Seaman bundled the girl into a van and drove her around Ipswich. The girl was discovered after the van was stopped by police on the A14 near the Seven Hills interchange.

Magistrates remanded Seaman in custody and his case has been referred to the crown court for a preliminary hearing on May 14.

Magistrates also invoked a section 39 order to prevent the identity of the victim being published.

Seaman's mother who was sitting in the public gallery wept as he was taken to the cells.