My First News Item
My Nine News ItemWhat Happened To April Jones?
APRIL Jones, a five-year-old schoolgirl who had a mild form of cerebral palsy, was abducted near her home in Machynlleth ten years ago
Her story shook the entire nation and prompted one of the most intense police searches in British history
What happened to April Jones?
On October 1, 2012, April Jones, a five-year-old girl from Machynlleth, Wales, disappeared after being seen getting into a vehicle near her home. Her mother made a heartfelt appeal for her daughter's safe return, prompting even Prime Minister David Cameron to issue a plea for information.
Despite extensive searches conducted by the police, with the help of family, friends, and volunteers, April was not found. On October 5, 2012, the police declared it a murder investigation, even though they had not recovered her body.
Mark Bridger was arrested on the day after April Jones disappeared, as he matched the description of the man whom eyewitnesses claimed had spoken to her and driven her away in his car. Despite no recovery of April's body, DNA evidence was found during the search of Bridger's home, leading the police to believe that April had been brutally murdered.
Why has April's body never been found?
The killer claimed he had run over the five-year-old.
Mark told law enforcement that he could not remember what he did with April's body as he was drinking heavily and panicked after putting her in the car.
Mark had even told a priest he had dumped the girl's body in a river.
Despite extensive searches, the police were unable to locate the body of April Jones, leading to the announcement on March 27, 2013, that the search would be terminated by the end of April. The community mourned the loss of the little girl, and on September 26, 2013, a funeral service was held in Machynlleth to honor April's memory.
On March 24, 2020, a documentary titled "April Jones: The Murder Tapes" was released. The film included recordings of the police interrogating Mark Bridger, the man responsible for April's disappearance.
For the first time, these recordings were made available to the public. Bridger claimed that he had accidentally injured the young girl in a traffic accident, resulting in her death inside his car. The documentary also featured insights from forensic psychologist Dr. Joe Sullivan, as well as interviews with members of April's family.
Who is Mark Bridger?
Mark Leonard Bridger was born in Carshalton, Surrey, on November 6, 1965, and grew up as the middle child among three siblings. At the age of 19, he was found guilty of firearms offenses and theft.
During the 1980s, Bridger relocated from London to Wales, where he held several jobs, including working in an abattoir, as a hotel porter, mechanic, and welder. He also worked as a lifeguard at the swimming pool where April Jones attended her swimming lessons.
Trial
Mark Bridger faced charges of child abduction, murder, and attempting to obstruct justice. He was later charged with unlawful disposal and concealment of a body. Despite pleading not guilty on January 14, 2013, Bridger acknowledged that he was likely responsible for April's death. During the trial at Mold Crown Court on April 29, 2013, a forensic expert testified that human bone fragments and blood matching April's DNA were discovered in various sections of Bridger's cottage.
The DNA evidence presented in court was convincing enough for the jury to conclude that April had suffered fatal injuries. Consequently, on May 30, 2013, Mark Bridger was found guilty of child abduction, murder, and attempting to obstruct justice. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment, and the judge recommended that he never be released.
Trial judge, Justice Griffith Williams, said in his sentencing remarks: “There is no doubt in my mind that you are a pedophile, who has, for some time harbored sexual and morbid fantasies about young girls.
“You abducted her for a sexual purpose and then murdered her and disposed of her body to hide the evidence of your sexual abuse of her."
Where is Mark Bridger now?
Bridger received a life sentence on May 30, 2013, after being convicted of abducting and murdering April Jones and attempting to obstruct justice. He continues to serve his sentence at Strangeways prison located in Manchester.
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