TWO women charged with offences relating to the treatment of children at a nursery have pleaded not guilty.

Billericay’s Abacus Day Nursery manager Emma Panting, 49, and worker Rosie Dunn, 24, appeared at Basildon Magistrates Court this morning.

Panting, 49, of Burrows Road, Woodbridge in Suffolk, denied child cruelty. She is also charged with two counts of assault and a racially aggravated public order offence.

Dunn, of Prower Close, Billericay, denied a racially aggravated public order offence.

Panting will appear at Basildon Crown Court during the week commencing July 7. She has been released on bail on the condition she doesn’t contact any witnesses.

Dunn will appear at Basildon Magistrates Court on July 28. She has been released on unconditional bail.

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