neglected and abandoned two boys by leaving them in a car in November.

The Smith's Parish parents -- who cannot be named for legal reasons -- pleaded not guilty yesterday before Acting Magistrate Kim Wilson.

They denied leaving unattended a six-year-old and a three-year-old in a parked and locked car for three hours on November 17.

The charge read: "Being a person who had principal responsibility for (the child) did neglect said child by leaving him locked in a car in a car park and unattended for three hours, contrary to section 19 of the Children's Act of 1998.'' Section 19 declares that anyone responsibility for a child is liable to six months imprisonment or a $3,000 fine if he "abuses, mistreats, neglects, deserts, or abandons'' the child or causes the child to be treated that way.

The parents were released on $500 bail. It is understood the boys are still in the care of their parents.