THE trial of two men accused of sexually exploiting young girls in Southend has been delayed.

Colin Trotman and Reynold Dyett, both from East London, are accused of committing 12 offences against the girls, including rape, between August and November 2012.

Trotman, 45, and Dyett, 54, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Monday to face the charges.

But it emerged a piece of evidence had not been served on defence solicitors until last week. They claimed they hadn’t had the chance to analyse it and compile their argument against it.

Trotman, of Wetherell Road, Hackney, faces three counts of rape and two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Dyett is facing one count of sexual assault and four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Both men face one count of conspiring to meet a child following sexual grooming.

They deny the charges.

The case has been adjourned until next Tuesday.