Teenager denies £1 million blackmail plot

A teenager has denied a £1 million blackmail plot against the security firmG4S.

Daniel Garland, 19, appeared at Teesside Crown Court to admit a chargeconcerning a bomb hoax, but pleaded not guilty to a blackmail charge and will stand trial in September.

Garland, smartly dressed in a dark suit and with slicked back hair, is accused of making a £1 million demand to the security giant on January 11.

The defendant, from Durham Place, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, admitted a charge of making a hoax on the same day, saying that bombs were attached to G4S employees' cars and they were ready to explode.

Garland was granted bail ahead of a two-day trial listed on September 12.