The sentencing of two men and two woman convicted of kidnapping, torturing and sexually assaulting a schoolgirl has been delayed.

David Appiah, 21, of New Road in Chingford, was due to be sentenced on Friday (May 1) at St Albans Crown Court but Judge Stephen Warner was taken ill. 

Appiah and three others were unanimously found guilty of false imprisonment and causing a child to engage in sexual activity on March 19.

They will be sentenced at the same court on May 15. 

The schoolgirl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was taken to a flat in High Street, Waltham Cross, on the morning of September 14 after being approached on her way to school near Theobolds Grove station in Waltham Cross. 

Caylen Candy, 18, of Leabank Square, Hackney, and Chyanne Powell, 18, of High Street, Waltham Cross, took the girl to Powell's flat where she was tortured and sexually assualted. 

Salt was poured down her throat and her head for pushed under water for 10 seconds on three separate occasions. 

Appiah, a friend of Powell's, arrived at the flat after being sent images of the girl.

They also sent films to Sanjay Kalia, 18, of Macoma Road, Plumstead, who encouraged further abuse. 

They have all been remanded in custody for sentencing on May 15.