Book tells of moment Coral and Paul Jones came face-to face with April's killer
The parents of murdered schoolgirl April Jones have told of the moment they came face-to-face with her killer.
Coral and Paul Jones, from Machynlleth, have written a book chronicling the dreadful days that followed the abduction of their beloved daughter from outside their home in 2012 by Mark Bridger.
In the book, the couple talk about how they saw Bridger appear in court for the first time following his arrest.
Mr Jones writes: "Our first sight of Mark Bridger since April's murder was at the pre-trial hearing where he would enter his plea. As he was brought into the dock, no more than 10ft from us, I squeezed Coral's hand as tightly as I could.
"Scruffy in his blue jumper and jeans, the beginnings of a beard, refusing to meet our gaze, he spoke in barely more than a whisper, pleading not guilty to murdering and kidnapping our daughter. We were dumbstruck that anyone could think this remotely believable.
Mr Jones also told of how the trial progressed.
He said: "Elwen Evans, the prosecution barrister, cleared her throat and turned to face the jury.
"A hush fell on the room. Bridger refused to meet her eye, and I hoped the jury could see how pathetic he looked."
Mr Jones said: "Forensic tests revealed some of April's DNA on his tracksuit bottoms. At that moment, Coral let go of my hand and ran out of the courtroom."
April: A Mother And Father's Heart-Breaking Story Of The Daughter They Loved And Lost, by Paul and Coral Jones, is published by Simon & Schuster, priced £16.99.
