A 51-YEAR-OLD man is due to stand trial accused of the murders of two schoolgirls more than 30 years ago.

Russell Bishop is accused of killing nine-year-olds Karen Hadaway and Nicola Fellows on October 9 1986.

The girls were found dead in Wild Park near the Moulsecoomb estate in Brighton.

Bishop, who denies the two murder charges, appeared by video link from Frankland Prison on Monday for a short hearing at the Old Bailey before Mr Justice Sweeney.

The balding defendant wore a black-and-white striped T-shirt and glasses.

He placed his hands behind his head as he appeared on screen in the courtroom and then folded his arms before resting his chin on his fist for most of the hearing.

The start of the proceedings was slightly delayed due to technical problems with the microphones, which meant Bishop could not initially hear what was being said.

While court staff tried to rectify the fault, he was seen on the screen waving into the camera, tapping the microphone and pointing to his mouth, adding: “Judge, I don’t know if you can hear me but could you turn the microphone on please.”

The problems were resolved after a short adjournment and Bishop spoke to confirm his name by saying: “Yes, sure am, yes.”

He was remanded in custody until the trial begins on October 15.

It is expected to last for between six to eight weeks.

Mr Justice Sweeney authorised some matters discussed at the hearing to be published.