THE TRIAL of a man accused of murdering a teenager in the village of Beenham more than 45 years ago began today and was promptly adjourned.

David Burgess, 64, formerly of Stoneyfields, Beenham, and now of no fixed address, appeared at Reading Crown Court this morning, speaking just once to confirm his name as he stood in the dock with his arms folded while the jury of seven men and five women was sworn in.

Bespectacled Burgess, who was wearing a grey fleece, blue t-shirt and jeans, pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing to the murder of 17-year-old Yolande Waddington in October 1966.

Prosecutor John Price QC, and Joel Bennathan QC, defending, told Mr Justice Nicol they needed time to discuss specific details in the case and the jury was told not to return to court until Monday. The trial is expected to last six weeks.