TWO men appeared have been accused of sexually assaulting vulnerable teenagers in Southend.

Colin Trotman and Glenn Dyett, both from East London, appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with sexually exploiting three girls from Southend and Shoebury overafour-month period.

Dyett, also known by the nickname “Zilla”, wore a light blue polo shirt and jeans.

Trotman was dressed in a black, long-sleeved top and jeans.

They spoke only to confirm their names, ages and addresses.

The court heard an investigation was sparked when Essex Police were called by a mother who reported her daughter missing on November 29 last year.

Officers found her with another teenager. Both were drunk.

One girl was taken to hospital because of the extent of her inebriation.

The other was taken home. She then made an allegation of rape and was taken to a medical centre.

The two unemployed men were charged with several sexual offences that allegedly occurred between August and November last year.

Trotman, 45, of Wetherell Road, Hackney, has been charged with two counts of rape against the same alleged victim and two of engaging in sexual activity with two underage teenage girls.

He also faces a count of conspiring to engage in penetrative sexual activity with an underage teenage girl and one of observing a person doing a private act for sexual gratification.

Dyett, 54, of Elderfield Road, Clapton, has been charged with one count of sexual touching and one of conspiring to engage in penetrative sexual activity with an underage teenage girl.

He also faces a count of engaging in sexual touching with an underage teenage girl, three of engaging in sexual activity with an underage teenage girl and one of grooming an underage teenage girl.

Trotman and Dyett were remanded in custody ahead of their next appearance at Basildon Crown Court on the week commencing October 28.

! A 34-year-old man from Shadwell, East London, was arrested in Southend on Monday, July 1, on suspicion of committing sexual offences in connection with thes case. He is on police bail until Saturday, September 21, pending further inquiries