April Jones: Mark Bridger weeps before Aberystwyth magistrates

Mark Bridger appeared in the dock wearing a blue jumper

A man has been remanded in custody charged with the murder of five-year-old April Jones who was last seen outside her home in Machynlleth, Powys.

Mark Bridger, 46, appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates and will appear at Caernarfon Crown Court on Wednesday.

Mr Bridger confirmed his name and address and cried as he confirmed he understood the charges against him.

He has also been charged with child abduction and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The latter charge refers to the unlawful disposal and concealment of a body.

The court clerk read out each charge individually, asking Mr Bridger if he understood.

When the murder charge was read out he answered "Yes" with tears in his eyes.

He answered "Yes" twice more to confirm he had understood each charge.

When his name was read out, he said: "That is correct."

He answered "correct" to confirm that his date of birth was 6 November, 1965, and said the same for his Mount Pleasant farmhouse address at the village of Ceinws.

He was remanded in custody and will be held in prison in Manchester and will appear at Caernarfon Crown Court via video link.

Mr Bridger was arrested on Tuesday - a day after the schoolgirl, who has not been found, disappeared.

In other developments:

• Police have stepped up their efforts to find April with 18 specialist search teams made up of 100 officers involved in the hunt

• A man from Lancashire has admitted posting an offensive comment on Facebook about April