Mark Bridger cries in dock as he faces April Jones murder charge
[gallery] There were angry scenes outside Aberystwyth Magistrates Court today as a van carrying the man accused of the abduction and murder of five-year-old April Jones arrived ahead of his first court hearing.
Large crowds lined the street outside the court this morning awaiting the arrival of 46-year-old Mark Bridger.
As Bridger's security van swept into a secure car park at the court, the crowd of about 100 people, who were being held back by barriers and monitored by a dozen officers, shouted abuse, booed and heckled.
Bridger, of Ceinws, near Machynlleth, was brought before magistrates after being charged with the abduction and murder of April on Saturday following four days of questioning. He is also charged with the unlawful disposal and concealment of her body with intent to pervert the course of justice.
During today's brief hearing, an unshaven Bridger, wept as he spoke to confirm his name, age and address, and that he understood the charges.
Magistrates remanded him in custody until Wednesday when he will appear at Caernarfon Crown Court.
April, who suffered from cerebral palsy and needed daily medication, was last seen on the town's Bryn-y-Gog estate in Machynlleth last Monday before getting into a vehicle at around 7pm. Bridger left court in a van more than an hour after the hearing. The van was punched and kicked as it drove out of the court precincts.
Angry members of the crowd outside shouted abuse at the defendant as the police van sped off, chased by several people.
Police and search experts are continuing the hunt for April with 18 teams and more than 100 officers involved.
Hundreds of people took part in a sombre march through the streets of Machynlleth yesterday before a heart-rending church service.
