A MAN accused of murdering his pregnant wife 20 years ago has been allowed to return home backed his bail with a £70,000 surety.
Andrew Griggs, of Ringwood Road in St Leonards, is accused of killing Debbie Griggs. Mrs Griggs, a mum-of-three, was 34 when she disappeared from her home in Deal, Kent on the evening of Wednesday, May 5 1999. She has never been found.
The couple had three children and Mrs Griggs was four months pregnant with their fourth.
Griggs, 56, did not enter a plea when he appeared Old Bailey this week. An application to have the case dismissed is expected in May.
The defendant was granted bail after paying a £70,000 surety, which happens when another person – in this case Griggs' second wife – takes responsibility him appearing in court. Griggs is required to live at his home address.
If the application to dismiss fails, it is understood Griggs will plead not guilty and a trial will take place.
An extensive case file, which has 378 statements and 3,000 documents and other exhibits, has been regularly reviewed by police officers.
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