A family has been accused of using fellow Czech citizens as slave labour in Bradford and Keighley.

Kristian Holub, 45, his wife Ruzena Holubova, 49, and their son, Kristian Putnoki, 20, are alleged to have forced three men to work at a car wash valeting business in Bradford, Auto Care car wash in St Mary’s Road, Manningham, or to clean their home in Keighley.

The family appeared in the dock at Bradford Crown Court from custody yesterday for a 20-minute plea and case management hearing.

Dark-haired Holubova, also known as Marcela Tanscosova, wept during the hearing, while her tall, well-built son dabbed his eyes and tried to hold her hand. All three pleaded not guilty to three charges of requiring another person to perform forced or compulsory labour, between February 9 and 20 this year.

Two of the charges alleged that Milan Tencik and Fratisek Shopek were required to perform forced labour at a car valeting service in Bradford.

The third charge alleges that Ivan Fridrich was forced to work as a cleaner at the family’s home at Delph House, Parkwood Rise, Keighley.

A Czech speaking interpreter translated the proceedings to Holub and Holubova. A date was fixed for a five-day trial to begin on July 1.

Judge Jonathan Rose said transcripts of interviews and phone evidence should be served by the prosecution by June 3, and defence statements by June 17.

Prosecutor Nick Askins said video facilities would be needed for pre-recorded interviews with the three complainants.

Interpreters would be required for the prosecution and defence at the trial.

Judge Rose told the defendants: “Your trial will take place on July 1. If any of you want to enter guilty pleas you will obtain the most credit the sooner you do so.”

The three defendants were remanded in custody.