Russell Bishop to stand trial for the murders of two young girls in Brighton in 1986
Case is expected to go on for six to eight weeks
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A 51-year-old man is to go on trial for the murders of two schoolgirls more than 30 years ago.
Russell Bishop is accused of killing friends Karen Hadaway, nine, and Nicola Fellows, nine, in Brighton, East Sussex, in 1986.
The girls went missing from their homes in the city and their bodies were found hidden in bushes in Wild Park, near the Moulscoomb estate in Brighton, the following day.
Bishop appeared before Mr Justice Edis for a plea hearing at the Old Bailey.
Bespectacled Bishop, wore a black and white striped T-shirt.
The balding defendant sat with his muscular arms crossed resting his head in his hand.
He spoke to confirm his name and when asked to enter pleas to the two murder charges, replied: "Not guilty ma'am."
The senior judge has set a trial at the Old Bailey for 15 October.
The case is expected to go on for six to eight weeks.
Bishop was remanded back into custody.
Mr Justice Edis authorised some matters discussed at the hearing to be published.
PA