The April Jones trial has started

[NorthernLurker]

The trial of Mark Bridger for the abduction and murder of April Jones plus some other charges has started today. From what I've read of the initial statements given by the prosecution, it's clearly going to be a very distressing case.
My thoughts are with all in court including the jury but most especially with April's parents who are in court. I don't know how they can bear it.

[HeySoulSister]

those poor parents....don't know how they can bear it either

this only seems like yesterday it happened too

[jamtoast12]

Just watched this briefly on the news outlining the charges and evidence. Literally had me in tears as I have a dd age 5. The evidence mentioned sounds much worse than what was suggested in the media last year :( :(

[LadyMaryQuiteContrary]

I just hope they find out where she is. It's so sad.

[georgedawes]

Her poor parents.

The evidence looks really distressing :(

[BrianButterfield]

It's desperately sad, isn't it? I'm amazed that none of these details got leaked to the press - I expect there was an injunction but there wasn't even a hint about it. Awful.

[NorthernLurker]

I too have a daughter who was 6 last week. Unbearable is the only possible description.

[HumphreyCobbler]

Unbearable. I just cannot imagine

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

There aren't words. Horrific only just touches it.

[ZZZenagain]

haven't heard these details yet. So sad. The poor family, nightmare.

[deepfriedsage]

My heart goes out to her family, so distressing for then.

[ZZZenagain]

read it now. Sounds like the worst they would have feared for her.

[edam]

It's not necessarily being 'respectful to the bastard' it's about not prejudicing a fair trial. How awful would it be if someone guilty of a terrible crime walked free because of speculation on the internet rendering a fair trial impossible?

[5318008]

yes agree Edam, circumspection v important

I have just read the Telegraph piece, and yes, Fleecyslippers, horror here too

[RooneyMara]

Would the poor little thing's parents have been made aware of these details prior to today?

[Sidge]

The details on the BBC website are just horrific

How her parents can sit and listen to that I just don't know. It must be hellish. My heart aches for them. And also for the jurors, they will see and hear things that may haunt them forever.

Just so tragic. I hope justice is done for little April.

[georgedawes]

It really is horrific and it's only the opening speech. God her poor family.