The alleged murderer of mother-to-be Nikitta Grender has appeared in court for the first time charged with the killing.

Carl Whant, 26, of Bettws, Newport, south Wales, was charged with the murder of the heavily pregnant 19-year-old on Saturday.

The former soldier, who worked as a night club bouncer, is also charged with a separate offence of child destruction.

Miss Grender was found stabbed to death in the bedroom of her burnt out flat in Broadmead Park, Liswerry, Newport, on February 5

Whant appeared at a brief one-minute hearing at Caerphilly Magistrates' Court where there was a large police presence outside.

Inside the packed court, an unshaven Whant looked pale and dishevelled, wearing a blue top and dark trousers.

He spoke only to confirm his name and age. He appeared not to understand his address when asked and was officially listed as being of no fixed address.

He was remanded in custody to appear at an unspecified Crown Court on Wednesday.

The prison van carrying Whant later left Caerphilly Magistrates' Court escorted by two police cars.

As the van sped away from the waiting press, friends and family of Miss Grender banged on the sides, shouting and swearing at Whant inside.