TWO former firefighters have denied a series of charges relating to initiation ceremonies at Essex’s fire service in the Eighties and Nineties.

Anthony Benham, 50, and Ian Maguire, 55, denied four counts of indecent assault and ten counts of false imprisonment when they appeared at Basildon Crown Court yesterday.

The men spoke only to confirm their names and enter their pleas.

Benham, of Butts Road, Stanford- le-Hope, wore a suit, tie and glasses while in the dock, and Maguire, of Karen Close, Benfleet, wore a black suit and a striped tie.

The alleged activities are believed to have happened while the pair worked for the Essex Fire Authority. They will face a three-week trial in July over the allegations, which are understood to relate to initiation ceremonies at Tilbury fire station.

The 14 charges relate to three victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and span between January 1988 and May 1997.

The allegations amount to misconduct as firefighters are expected to maintain morale, good order and discipline.

It emerged during the hearing Maguire was a Metropolitan Police officer at the time of his arrest.

The pair were bailed ahead of an appearance at Basildon Crown Court on July 13.

Firefighter Martin Sibley, 48, was found hanged at his home in Keymer Way, Colchester, shortly after he had spoken to police about abuse claims.

An inquest in Chelmsford heard Mr Sibley had been contacted by police in connection with their investigation into abuse claims in the fire service dating back to the Eighties.

A letter from Mr Sibley’s mother was read to the inquest in which she said he had panicked.

Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded an open verdict in October last year.

Mr Sibley began his career as a firefighter in south Essex and moved to Colchester in 1991.