April Jones: Murder Suspect In Court

The man accused of murdering missing five-year-old April Jones will appear in court later.

Former lifeguard Mark Bridger, 46, is accused of abducting and killing April, who was last seen near her home on the Bryn-y-Gog estate in the mid-Wales town of Machynlleth more than a week ago.

Bridger also faces charges of unlawfully disposing of and concealing her body with intent to pervert the course of justice.

He will appear at Caernarfon Crown Court after being remanded in custody earlier this week by magistrates in Aberystwyth.

The defendant, who cried when he appeared before magistrates on Monday, will not be present at court but will appear by videolink from prison in Manchester.

April vanished last Monday night while she was playing outside. She had been allowed to stay out later than normal as a treat for a glowing school report.

Bridger was arrested the following day after a massive search operation was launched involving police, mountain rescue teams and hundreds of residents and well-wishers.

The search for April, who has cerebral palsy, continues.