Man accused of April Jones murder appears in court via video link

By PAUL KEAVENEY
Published on 11/10/2012 00:56

THE former lifeguard accused of the abduction and murder of five-year-old April Jones appeared in court via a video link yesterday.

• April Jones disappeared from Machynlleth, Wales on October 1

• Mark Bridger accused of her abduction and murder

Mark Bridger confirmed his name and that he could hear the proceedings at Caernarfon Crown Court, North Wales.

Bridger is accused of abducting and murdering April, and of unlawfully disposing of and concealing her body with intent to pervert the course of justice.

The court heard that the prosecution had been given notice of Bridger’s “likely defence”, which had been taken in interviews.

Mr Justice Griffith-Williams also said any decision about where any trial would be held would be made after consultation with the victim’s family.

The court heard that some of the witnesses in the case are as young as seven years old.

The 46-year-old, of Mount Pleasant farmhouse in the village of Ceinws, near Machynlleth, leaned forward at one point, as he appeared to be struggling to hear.

He was arrested last Tuesday afternoon and was charged on Saturday.

The case was adjourned until 11 January while investigations continue, the court was told. Bridger was remanded into custody and no application for bail was made.