Stuart Campbell, 44, born in Maldon, Essex, who now lives in Grays, Essex, is accused of kidnapping and killing Danielle Jones.

At Chelmsford Crown Court he pleaded not guilty to kidnapping the schoolgirl on 18 June last year, and not guilty to her murder between 18 and 23 June.

Danielle disappeared shortly after leaving her home in East Tilbury, Essex, to catch a bus to school.

Legal arguments

Her body has never been discovered.

Mr Campbell appeared in the dock wearing a dark suit, and a blue shirt and tie.

The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks.

The first few days are expected to be taken up with legal arguments which began on Wednesday morning.

Danielle's parents, Tony and Linda Jones, attended the start of the hearing and left after about half an hour.