CHRISTOPHER Halliwell appeared in court today for a pre-trial hearing ahead of the Becky Godden murder trial.

The 53-year-old represented himself in front of Justice John Griffith Williams at Bristol Crown Court.

Halliwell, formerly of Ashbury Avenue, Nythe, is charged with the murder of Rebecca Godden between January 1, 2003, and April 3 2008.

He was remanded in custody and will appear in court for another pre-trial hearing next month.

A trial will take place in the same court on September 5.