19/09/2003

Trial of Soham murder accused postponed

The trial of the man accused of murdering schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman – which was due to go ahead next month – has been postponed until November 3.

Ian Huntley, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, had been due to stand trial on October 6. However, a ruling to postpone the trial was made at the Old Bailey in London today.

Twenty-nine-year-old Huntley, from Soham in Cambridgeshire, was charged on August 20 with the murder the two 10-year-old schoolgirls. He has admitted to one charge of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

His former girlfriend Maxine Carr has pleaded not guilty to charges of helping an offender and perverting the course of justice.

Holly and Jessica went missing whilst out walking in Soham on August 4. Their bodies were later found near Lakenheath, Surrey, on August 17.

Both Mr Huntley and Ms Carr had worked at St Andrew's school where both the victims were pupils.

(gmcg)

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