A school canteen worker has pleaded not guilty to attempting to meet a girl under 16 following grooming.

Nicholas Baines of Thrifts Mead, Theydon Bois, was arrested at Westfield shopping centre in Stratford on Thursday (May 19).

Mr Baines, 41, worked for Chartwells catering in the canteen at St John Fisher Catholic primary school, in Loughton.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges at Thames Magistrates’ Court in Bow on Saturday, May 21.

St John Fisher school said he was immediately suspended on Friday, and that all parents and local authorities had been informed.

Head teacher Bozena Laraway said: “The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is of paramount importance and the school has robust safeguarding procedures in place.”

Mr Baines has been released on conditional bail, stopping him from using the internet, travelling abroad or being with someone under 16 unless also accompanied by someone over 25.

He will appear for trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on June 17.