Bellfield refuses to give evidence at Milly Trial

Levi Bellfield refused to give evidence today at his trial for the murder of schoolgirl Milly Dowler.

The 43-year-old is alleged to have abducted Milly, 13, outside his rented flat as she walked home from school nine years ago. Her body was found in woods six months later.

At the Old Bailey, defence barrister Jeffrey Samuels QC said Bellfield would not be entering the witness box, adding: "The defence calls no evidence in this case." The judge, Mr Justice Wilkie, said: "The jury may draw such inferences as it sees proper." Prosecutor Brian Altman QC will now give his closing address.

Jurors have heard Bellfield did give evidence at the 2008 trial at which he was convicted of the murders of Amélie Delagrange, 22, and Marsha McDonnell, 19, and the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy, 18.

The court has heard how Milly disappeared shortly after 4pm on March 21, 2002, as she walked along Station Avenue, Walton-on-Thames. Prosecutors allege Bellfield took her to his flat in nearby Collingwood Place.

Bellfield denies kidnapping and murdering Milly, and denies attempting to kidnap Rachel Cowles, 11, in Shepperton a day earlier. The trial continues.