The Dutch engineer accused of murdering Joanna Yeates appeared in court yesterday as the process of jury selection began.
Vincent Tabak, 33, sat in the dock wearing a dark suit and blue tie. Listening intently, he spoke only to confirm his name and acknowledge instructions from the judge. He admits manslaughter, but denies murder.
Ms Yeates disappeared after leaving pre-Christmas drinks with colleagues last year. Eight days later, on Christmas morning, the 25-year-old landscape architect's body was found by dog walkers on a snowy verge three miles from her home.
Mr Tabak lived in a ground-floor flat adjoining the home Ms Yeates shared with her boyfriend Greg Reardon in Clifton, Bristol.
Yesterday Mr Justice Richard Field began the process of selecting a jury for the trial, which is expected to last four weeks at Bristol Crown Court. Ms Yeates's parents David, 63, and Teresa, 58, are expected to attend but were not present yesterday.
The trial was adjourned until today, when a jury is expected to be sworn in.