Backpacker kidnap trial to be set

Mrs Pope has not been in contact with her family since January

A court in South America has ruled a security guard should stand trial for the kidnap of a missing backpacker.

Jennifer Pope, 50, from Mossley in Tameside, Greater Manchester, has not been in contact with her family since disappearing in Ecuador on 9 January.

Francisco Sanchez Chica, 29, was charged with kidnap, theft, and robbery but appealed against the decision to try him for the crimes.

However, his appeal has been rejected by the Superior Court in Ecuador.

According to the British Foreign Office, a date is now being set for his trial to be heard.

UK police believe it is unlikely Mrs Pope, who was travelling through South America alone, is still alive.