TWO Basildon teenagers have denied killing a man found dead in a burnt-out car.

Keani Hobbs, 18, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday alongside a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, charged with the manslaughter of 30-year-old Vilson Meshi some time between February 26 and 28.

Mr Meshi’s body was discovered in the back of a fire-damaged Audi A4 in Pincey Mead, Pitsea, on February 27 last year.

The pair were further charged with stealing marine flares from Charles Armstrong on February 20 - and committing arson between February 26 and 28, in which it is alleged that they set fire to Mr Meshi’s Audi A4.

Miss Hobbs, of Stagden Cross, Basildon, and the 16-year-old are also alleged to have stolen Mr Meshi’s Iphone and car keys.

The boy, who was 15 at time of the alleged offence, appeared at the crown court plea and trial preparation hearing wearing a blue hooded top.

Miss Hobbs wore a polo shirt, a black coat and blue jeans.

They were supported by a large gathering of family members in the public gallery, assisted by Essex Police family .

This is the first time that the pair have formally entered pleas to the charges, following hearings at Basildon Magistrates’ Court.

Melanie Hobbs, 46, also of Stagden Cross, Basildon, who is understood to be related to Keani, faced a charge of assisting an offender, which she denied.

Mrs Hobbs, who appeared in the dock wearing a white shirt and black trousers, is alleged to have disposed of clothing belonging to both Keani and the 16-year-old boy, as well as other items – including a mobile phone and set of car keys belonging to Mr Meshi.

Prosecutors allege this was “with intent to impede the apprehension or prosecution of suspects”.

After the indictment was read to the defendants, and all pleas were entered, a trial date was fixed for Monday, July 31.

The case will also be listed for mention on June 16.

All three were released on bail.

Mr Meshi’s body was discovered after a neighbour raised concerns over the vehicle as it had not moved and had suffered some external damage.

A post-mortem examination found he had died from smoke inhalation.

Crimestoppers previously offered a reward of up to £5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible.