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Man In Court Charged With Teen's 1984 Murder

Man In Court Charged With Teen's 1984 Murder

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a teenager more than 30 years ago.

Christopher John Hampton, of Fishponds, Bristol, is accused of stabbing 17-year-old Melanie Road to death close to her home in Bath in 1984.

She had multiple wounds and had also been sexually assaulted.

Appearing at Bath Magistrates Court dressed in light grey tracksuit trousers and a T-shirt, 63-year-old Hampton stood only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday morning.

Melanie Road was attacked on 9 June, 1984,while walking the 15 to 20-minute journey home following a night out with friends in Bath.

Members of her family broke down during the short court hearing.

Last year, Melanie's mother, Jean, and sister Karen, wrote an open letter about the impact the murder has had on them.

Mrs Road wrote: "We mourn for our daughter and sister Melanie every minute, hour of the day and night."

Karen added: "As much as this was 30 years ago, for me, it's every day and it never gets easier, and I can't move on.

"The pain remains as strong today as it did when Melanie died."