Barry George denies killing Jill Dando

LONDON - Barry George denied murdering BBC TV presenter Jill Dando on Friday and was told he will face a re-trial next June, more than seven years after he was convicted of the crime.

George, an unemployed 47 year-old, was jailed for life in 2001 for killing Dando, who was shot dead outside her home in west London in April 1999.

However, that conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal last month because forensic evidence was ruled unsafe and a retrial was ordered.

At London's Old Bailey court on Friday, George, wearing a dark navy suit and an open neck light blue shirt, pleaded not guilty to one count of murder.

His application was bail was refused and he was told he would stand trial on June 2 next year.

The murder of Dando, 37, the host of "Crimewatch UK" and "Holiday" prompted one of the biggest police investigations ever mounted in the country.
News
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds
Almost half of UK adults plan to attend church this Christmas, new poll finds

Churches across the UK are expecting fuller pews this Christmas, as new research suggests a significant rise in the number of people planning to attend services and church-run events over the festive season.

ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial
ACNA panel recommends archbishop stand trial

The Board of Inquiry issued a short statement on Friday stating that there was “probable cause to present” ACNA Archbishop Steve Wood “for trial for violation of Canon 2 of this Title.”

Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message
Controversial US bishop to give BBC Christmas message

The BBC has invited Bishop Mariann Budde, the US bishop who challenged President Donald Trump at an inauguration service in January, to give a Christmas message.

Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack
Australian church leaders stand in solidarity with Jewish community after Bondi Beach terrorist attack

Christian leaders in Australia have expressed their solidarity with the country's grief-stricken Jewish community after a deadly terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday night.