BBC News Online: UK

Dando murder trial begins

Unemployed Barry George, 40, of Fulham, west London, denies murder and spoke only to confirm his name.

He was led into the dock of court number one - in front of a packed public gallery - wearing a blue jumper and carrying a bible.

Ms Dando was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head on the doorstep of her Fulham home on 26 April 1999.

The 37-year-old presenter of BBC television's Crimewatch UK programme, was engaged to be married.

Her fiance, gynaecologist Alan Farthing, was in court and sat near the detectives along with the co-presenter of the Crimewatch programme Nick Ross.

The sister and uncle of the defendant were also present for the first day, which was mainly taken up by legal argument.

The trial is expected to last six weeks and is being heard before Mr Justice Gage.

The prosecution is being led by Orlando Pownall and Mr George, who is also known as Barry Bulsara, is defended by Michael Mansfield QC.

The first evidence is not expected to be heard until the jury is sworn in, which is likely to be on Wednesday.