A MAN has pleaded not guilty to murdering his pregnant wife who disappeared 20 years ago.

Andrew Griggs, 56, of Ringwood Road in St Leonards, is accused of killing Debbie Griggs.

Mrs Griggs was 34 when she disappeared from her home in Walmer in Deal, Kent, late on the evening of May 5 1999.

The couple had three children and Mrs Griggs was four months pregnant with their fourth. She has never been found.

Her cousin Jim Dunne and his wife Tracey, who live in Hamworthy, launched a Facebook campaign calling for anyone with information to come forward.

Mrs Griggs’ mum Pat died without ever finding out what had happened to her daughter.

Mr Griggs, who appeared at the Old Bailey by videolink from Bournemouth Crown Court, was told he would stand trial at Canterbury Crown Court on 2 October.

He was charged with Mrs Griggs' murder on March 12 of this year.