THREE people have appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with false imprisonment of a pensioner.

The vulnerable victim, a 68-year-old woman who has not been named, was allegedly systematically beaten, thrown downstairs and forced to use a bucket in the back yard as a toilet.

It is alleged that the woman was attacked in her own home for a period of around two months.

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She was eventually thrown out of her house and was then found in a dishevelled state in a town centre store. She spent two weeks in hospital after being found, the court heard.

Michael Meadowcroft, 22, of Hareden Brook Close, Blackburn, Naomi Walker, 28, of Staffa Crescent, Blackburn, and Kimberey Duckworth,18, of Sandon Street, Blackburn, are all charged with false imprisonment and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Walker also faces a charge of theft relating to the victim’s pension.

The court also heard that Duckworth faces a second actual bodily harm charge and one of wounding the victim with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm.

The three defendants appeared at the magistrates court yesterday (thur) and were sent on bail to Preston Crown Court .

They are set to appear there on January 5 for a further hearing.

A fourth person, Stuart Meaowcroft, 49, of Walter Street, Blackburn, failed to appear at the hearing to answer charges of false imprisonment, wounding and actual bodily harm.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest by the court.