Man appears in court charged with Jennifer's murder

Robert Black, who is originally from Scotland but now has an address in England, was charged with murdering nine-year-old Jennifer on 12th August 1981.

He faced a second charge of unlawfully and by way of force or by fraud carrying Jennifer away on the same date.

During a brief appearance Black spoke only to confirm his name and to say he understood the charges.

He declined to call any evidence or witnesses during the preliminary enquiry.

Defence lawyer Gabriel Ingram said his client was 'an innocent man' who would be contesting the charges.

District judge Mrs Rosie Watters agreed to a defence application for two counsel.

Black was sent for trial to the sitting of Craigavon Crown Court which begins in March.

Jennifer disappeared near her Ballinderry home in August 1981 while cycling to a friend's house.

Her bike was discovered in a field beside a hedge, close to her home, soon afterwards.

Her body was later found six days later by fishermen at McKee's Dam outside Hillsborough.