A date has been set for trial of the man accused of murdering schoolgirl Sarah Payne.
Mr Roy Whiting (42) from Littlehampton, West Sussex, appeared at Lewes Crown Court.
The date for his trial for kidnapping and murdering eight-year-old Sarah was set for November 13th. Mr Whiting was remanded in custody.
Judge Richard Brown said: "I am satisfied that all matters for trial are progressing properly and the trial will commence on November 13 in this building".
The youngster's parents, Sara and Michael, sat just a few feet away from Mr Whiting in the dock.
It was the defendant's fifth appearance in court. On May 18th, he pleaded not guilty to kidnapping Sarah on July 1st last year and not guilty to her murder.
Sarah disappeared while playing in a field near her grandparents' home with her brothers Lee (14) and Luke (12) and her sister Charlotte (7) near East Preston, West Sussex.
Her body was found near Pulborough, West Sussex, 16 days later.
PA