The trial of a man accused of murdering 22-year-old British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand has formally begun.
A jury of seven women and five men was selected in Auckland’s High Court on Monday with opening statements in the five-week trial due to start on Wednesday.
The defendant appeared in court in a navy suit and black shirt and reaffirmed his not guilty plea.
Ms Millane’s body was discovered in a forested area near Auckland a week after she was last seen in the city centre last December.
She was travelling in New Zealand as part of a planned year–long trip abroad.
New Zealand courts have banned reporting the name of the 27–year–old man accused and the country's government have asked international media to respect that ruling even though they are not legally bound by it.
Additional reporting by PA Media
