Man charged over Milly Dowler killing
After eight years is this justice for Milly Dowler as Levi Bellfield is charged with her kidnap and murder…?

After eight years is this justice for Milly Dowler as Levi Bellfield is charged with her kidnap and murder ?
The family of Milly Dowler was ‘overwhelmed with relief' after former nightclub bouncer Levi Bellfield, 41, was charged yesterday with kidnapping and murdering the schoolgirl eight years ago.
Parents Bob, 58, and Sally, 50, and Milly's sister Gemma, 23, said in a statement: ‘It's very hard to say how we feel after eight long and difficult years. We are pleased that Levi Bellfield has been charged with abduction and murder and hope this will go some way towards providing justice for our darling Milly.'
Bellfield has also been charged with attempting to abduct 11-year-old Rachel Cowles the day before he is alleged to have snatched Milly, 13.
The charges were revealed by senior Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Nigel Pilkington after a six-month review of police files. He will appear at Staines magistrates' court on April 13.
Milly disappeared on 21 March 2002, after calling her father to say she was on her way home from school in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. Her body was found on Yateley Heath in Hampshire, six months later.
The manhunt for her killer sparked a multi-million pound police inquiry and became one of the country's best-known unsolved murders.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Bellfield, originally of West Drayton, Middlesex, was first quizzed by detectives in the case in March 2005. He is currently serving a life sentence for murdering two women. He bludgeoned Amelie Delagrange, 22, and Marsh McDonnell, 19, in south-west London in 2003 and 2004. He was also found guilty of trying to kill Kate Sheedy when she was 18.
The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.
-
The BRIT Awards have paid a moving tribute to Liam Payne with a personal video
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
Jade Thirlwall's BRIT Awards red carpet look featured a powerful deeper meaning about the music industry
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
From Charli XCX to Sabrina Carpenter, here's who won big at the 2025 BRIT Awards
By Jenny Proudfoot