Two in court over handcuffed MP

Margaret Hodge was left in the handcuffs for 40 minutes

Two men have appeared in court over the handcuffing of a minister to a fathers' rights protester outside a conference in Greater Manchester.

Jason Hatch, 34, of Cheltenham, is accused of grabbing the arm of former Children's Minister Margaret Hodge.

Jonathan Stanesby, 41, of Ivybridge, Devon, is said to have chained himself to her for about 40 minutes outside The Lowry Hotel, Salford, in November 2004.

Both men denied false imprisonment at Manchester Crown Court and were bailed.

They are due to reappear on 8 May, for their trial in which Mrs Hodge is due to give evidence.