A former night club doorman appeared in court today charged with kidnapping and murdering Walton schoolgirl Milly Dowler.

A shaven-haired Levi Bellfield appeared via video-link at Staines Magistrates’ Court this morning in front of a packed public gallery.

The 41-year-old, formerly of West Drayton, was charged by Surrey Police for the murder of Milly Dowler, who was 13 when she disappeared on the way back from Heathside school in Weybridge on March 21, 2002.

Mr Bellfield is also accused of attempting to kidnap another young schoolgirl, 12-year-old Rachel Cowles, the day before Milly went missing.

The defendant, who wore a light blue polo shirt and a black wrist watch, spoke clearly to the court room and, after each of his replies, said “thank you”.

After the charges were read out, lead magistrate Dr Barbara Mason said: “So Mr Bellfield, the offences for which you have been charged can only be trialled in the crown court.

“We are therefore sending you to Guildford Crown Court and a plea and case management hearing has been arranged.”

When legal counsel promptly corrected Dr Mason that, in fact, Mr Bellfield would first attend a preliminary hearing, Mr Bellfield responded, “Yes, I was already aware of that”, which prompted some laughter in the gallery.

Throughout his court appearance, Mr Bellfield sat with his hands together rested on his chin and filling out paperwork and taking notes.

The preliminary hearing will take place on April 30 where he will again appear via video link at Guildford Crown Court.