A man accused of harbouring two 14 year old girls at his home, one of whom was reportedly being held captive in a room, was yesterday remanded in custody when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.

One of the juveniles found at the home had been reported missing since January 16.

As a result the man, Clarence Jackson, was charged for failing to report a child in need of care and protection.

But the 48-year-old plumber pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey, who was informed by the investigating officer that additional charges will be laid against Jackson on his return to court on April 12.

The court heard that on March 30, police acting on information went to Jackson's premises where one of the minors was seen running from the premises. The other was found locked away in a room in which the door was tightly secured by nails.

Jackson reportedly told the police that he was the girls grand uncle. The girls both gave the police false names and claimed that they were sisters. Police investigations subsequently revealed that one of the girls was a missing teen who had been living with Jackson since she was reported missing.

Her mother when contacted told the police that she did not know the other girl and that her daughter was uncontrollable.

The police have not yet ascertained the identity of the other girl. Both are being held in places of safety.