The trial of Daniel de Costa, who is accused of the murder of Devizes man Matthew Baggott, began this afternoon at Winchester Crown Court.

After a jury of six men and six women was sworn in, His Honour Judge Guy Boney QC, adjourned the case to Monday morning.

De Costa, 31, of Kingsbury Square, Melksham, has pleaded not guilty to murder.

Mr Baggott, who was 34, died on September 6 2007 as a result of stab wounds following an incident in St John’s Court close to the entrance to St John’s churchyard.

The trial is expected to last a week.