Becky Godden murder
Becky Godden's body was found buried in a shallow grave in 2003

A taxi driver has appeared in court, charged with murdering a 20-year-old prostitute. Becky Godden, disappeared in 2003. Her body was discovered buried in a shallow grave on farmland at a Cotswold beauty spot, eight years after she vanished.

Christopher Halliwell, 52, appeared via videolink at Bristol Crown Court accused of murdering her between 1 January 2003 and 4 April 2008. He spoke only to confirm his name during the hearing. The father of three, who previously lived in Swindon, was charged by Wiltshire Police on Wednesday (30 March) Sky News reports.

Miss Godden had turned to prostitution after becoming addicted to heroin. Her family had previously paid for private rehabilitation treatment in an effort to help her with her addiction. However, she had subsequently broken off contact with her family after saying she could not put her mother through the pain of watching her succumb to drugs.

Her family had thought she was living in the Bristol area. The last confirmed sighting of Miss Godden was by a police officer on December 27, 2002, in the Manchester Road area of Swindon.

Her remains were found in March 2011.

The case has been adjourned until a later date.