The jury has been sworn in for the trial of a man accused of murdering his pregnant wife.

Andrew Griggs, 57, stands accused of killing Debbie Griggs 20 years ago in Kent.

Debbie was 34 when she went missing from her home in Cross Road, Deal - her body was never found.

At the time she disappeared in May 1999, the mum of three boys was four-and-a-half months pregnant.

Her white Peugeot 309 car was found a week later in The Shrubbery, Walmer.

Despite searches and many appeals from her family, Debbie never returned nor did she attend important scans for her unborn baby.

Her body was never found.

Justice Robin Spencer QC this morning told the jury: “Ladies and gentlemen now that you’re sworn as our jury, there are some solemn duties you have undertaken.

“You and I have different tasks to perform but we have one role in common - we are all judges.”

He explained their role is to judge evidence before barristers later make their arguments, known as 'speeches'.

“When all the evidence has been heard barristers will address arguments to you,” he added.

He warned jurors not to carry out their own investigation or discuss the case outside of court to ensure a fair trial.

They should also avoid media reports throughout the duration of the trial, he added.

Wearing a green shirt and with his family in the public gallery, Griggs remained passive and silent throughout today's hearing at Canterbury Crown Court.

Ex-husband Griggs, now remarried and living in Ringwood Road, St Leonard's, Dorset, was charged with Debbie's murder on March 12 this year.

Prosecuted by Duncan Atkinson QC and Michael Bisgrove, the case is expected to last about five weeks.

Nicholas Loddenberg QC and George Heimler will defend.

Yesterday, Griggs was granted bail with the condition to remain at an address known to the court, from 8pm - 6am.

On March 14, Griggs appeared at Maidstone Crown Court via video link from Elmley Prison. He was bailed when his new wife posted a £70,000 surety.

His strict bail conditions included a tagged curfew from 6pm to 6am. These timings were changed to 8pm until 4am at a hearing on April 10 because Griggs runs a fishing business.

On Friday, May 17, he appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink from Bournemouth Crown Court where he entered a not guilty plea.

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