The jury in the trial of six men accused of sexually exploiting a 14-year-old girl at a drugs den has been discharged for legal reasons.

The alleged victim was said to have been treated with “indignity and contempt” as she was passed around for sexual gratification at a house in Brierfield, Nelson, Lancashire.

The prosecution case against the defendants was opened at Burnley Crown Court on Tuesday but the case has now been adjourned to a date to be fixed.

Mohammed Imran Amjad, 25, of Halifax Road, Brierfield, denies abducting a child, rape, engaging in sexual activity with a child, aiding and abetting rape, and witness intimidation.

He is also accused of intentionally encouraging or assisting rape.

Haroon Mahmood, 22, of John Street, Brierfield, denies rape and engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Mohammed Zishan Amjad, 24, of Halifax Road, Brierfield, also denies rape and engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Mohammed Suleman Farooq, 22, of Berry Street, Brierfield, denies sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity with a child and witness intimidation.

Shiraz Afzal, 25, of Mansfield Crescent, Brierfield, and Omar Mazafar, 21, of Halifax Road, Brierfield, both deny aiding and abetting rape.

All the sexual offences are said to have been committed between April and October 2010.