A 35-year-old man has been remanded in custody over the false imprisonment of a child in Co. Laois.

Michael Martin, with an address at Three Shandon Court, Yellow Road, Waterford appeared before Portlaoise District Court this afternoon. 

The court also heard that on his arrest, Mr Martin gave the reply 'I did not abduct anyone'.

An application for bail was refused by Judge Catherine Staines.

Mr Martin was remanded in custody to appear again before Cloverhill District Court on March 13th.