Former deputy headteacher Sion Jenkins went on trial at the Old Bailey for the second time this year accused of murdering foster daughter Billie-Jo.

Jenkins, 48, was jailed for life in 1998 for killing the 13-year-old, who was found battered around the head with a metal tent peg at the family's home in Hastings in 1997.

A jury could not agree a verdict during a retrial which ended in July.

Jenkins, of Lymington, Hampshire, arrived at court yesterday with his second wife, art dealer Christina, for the latest hearing.

Nicholas Hilliard, prosecuting, said it was the Crown's case that Jenkins had killed Billie-Jo.

He said: "She had been murdered at her home where she should have been safe.

"She had been attacked with an iron bar. She had been struck at least five times and sustained severe head injuries.

"It does not take a moment to hit someone with an iron bar and not many more to hit them several forceful blows.

"If she did not die instantly, she could not have lived more than a few minutes. It's a mercy she was unconscious."

The jury of six men and six women were told traces of Billy-Jo's blood were found on Jenkins' clothing.

Mr Hilliard said they would have to consider whether the stains got there when she was attacked or after he discovered the body.

Jenkins had claimed someone else must have come to the house and murdered Billy-Jo, the court was told.

The trial resumes today.