Man denies abducting UK-based daughter

A German father today pleaded not guilty to abducting his seven-year-old London-based daughter in the US.

Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter, who calls himself Clark Rockefeller, denied kidnapping Reigh Boss during a supervised visit in Boston, Massachusetts, on 27 July.

He also denied assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon - a motor vehicle - and giving a false name to police when he appeared in court in Boston today.

Gerhartsreiter appeared clean shaven, wearing a red tie and blue blazer, a sharp contrast to his dishevelled appearance at his last court appearance.

US authorities have also identified him as a "person of interest" in connection with the 1985 disappearance of a couple from California and have said Gerhartsreiter has been living under aliases since going to the United States in 1978.

Magistrate Gary Wilson fixed bail at $50m (£27m), in cash, and set a trial date of 23 March next year.

Rockefeller was remanded in custody.