THE MAN ACCUSED of abducting and murdering young Welsh girl April Jones appeared in court today as the prosecution’s case was set out.
Mark Bridger, 47, is also charged with unlawfully disposing of and concealing her body with intent to pervert the course of justice.
The five-year-old has been missing from her home in the village of Machynlleth since 1 October last year.
The trial heard that the missing girl’s blood was found at the suspect’s home during police searches. Bone fragments were also discovered, reports BBC News.
Bridger has pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all charges.
The jury – nine women and three men who were sworn in this morning – heard the alleged crimes were sexually motivated, according to The Guardian’s Steven Morris. It is understood they will visit the village of Machynlleth on Thursday.
Prosecutors say the suspect’s computer revealed an interest in child pornography, child murder cases and child rape cases. There were also images of April and other local girls, as well as pictures of Soham murder victims Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.
Bridger watched the proceedings from the dock. He claims he cannot remember what happened to the victim, something which the prosecution has called a “cruel game”.
Coral and Paul Jones hold hands as they arrive at Mold Crown Court. (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire/Press Association Images)
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