Old Bailey trial starts for Dando accused

London - Mr Barry George, the man accused of killing TV presenter Jill Dando, appeared in front of a packed Old Bailey court …

London - Mr Barry George, the man accused of killing TV presenter Jill Dando, appeared in front of a packed Old Bailey court yesterday on the first day of his trial. Legal discussions were expected to last another two days before a jury may be sworn in to hear the prosecution's allegations.

Mr George (40), from Fulham, west London, has denied murdering Ms Dando (37) on the doorstep of her home in Fulham on April 26th, 1999.

Ms Dando's fiance, Mr Alan Farthing, a gynaecologist, and BBC Crimewatch UK presenter Nick Ross were among those in court. Sitting nearby was Mr George's sister, Ms Michelle Diskin.

Mr Justice William Gage is presiding over the trial, which is expected to last up to six weeks.