The family of Sally Anne Bowman arrived at the Old Bailey today for the start of the trial of the man accused of murdering the teenager.

Linda Bowman and her three daughters arrived just after 8am for a meeting with the prosecution lawyer before the jury were expected to be sworn in.

Mark Dixie, 37, was arrested in July 2006 at the Ye Olde Six Bells pub in Horley where he worked as a chef. He has also been charged with indecent assault and outraging public decency following an alleged sex assault in Purley in 2001.

The trial is expected to last four weeks, with legal arguments taking up most of today's schedule.

The prosecution are due to make their opening statement tomorrow.

Model and hairdresser Sally Anne, 18, was stabbed to death outside her home in Blenheim Crescent, South Croydon, in September 2005.

For daily updates from the trial log on to the site.