Man in court over pregnant teenager murder

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.

Whant is the second cousin of the victim's boyfriend, 18-year-old Ryan Mayes, the father of the unborn baby girl, who had already been named Kelsey-May.

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

There were scenes of distress as family and friends hit out at the car which transported Mr Whant away from the court escorted by police vehicles.