Debbie Jenkins broke down as the silent film was shown on two television screens.

There were gasps of horror from the packed public gallery and jurors wept as they witnessed close-ups of the 13-year-old's badly-beaten body.

Her foster father, Sion Jenkins, denies bludgeoning her to death with a metal tent spike as she painted the patio doors of the family home on February 15 last year.

Special permission

Jenkins, a deputy headmaster, was granted special permission to leave the dock at Lewes Crown Court in Sussex, for the duration of the police video.

Billie-Jo's natural father, Bill Jenkins, had also opted not to sit through the harrowing footage after the judge warned it could be distressing.

In the video, a camera slowly panned round to the back of the house in Hastings, where the youngster's body was found by her 10-year-old sister, Lottie.

Courtroom silent

The graphic film showed Billie-Jo lying on her back with her white T-shirt soaked in blood and her head smashed.

The court was shrouded in silence as the screening ended.

Earlier a police surgeon who had attended the murder scene, described it to the court as the worst case he had ever seen.

Doctor's statement

Dr Joseph Ludwig certified the girl's death, and a statement was read on his behalf by Camden Pitt, prosecuting.

"I could quite clearly see that the girl was dead," he said.