Man charged with murder of heavily-pregnant teenager

The alleged murderer of mother-to-be Nikitta Grender has appeared in court for the first time charged with the killing.

Carl Whant, 26, of Bettws, Newport, south Wales, was charged with the murder of the heavily-pregnant 19-year-old on Saturday.

The former soldier, who worked as a night club bouncer, is also charged with a separate offence of child destruction.

Miss Grender was found stabbed to death in the bedroom of her burnt out flat in Broadmead Park, Liswerry, Newport, on February 5.

Mr Whant appeared at a brief one-minute hearing at Caerphilly Magistrates’ Court where there was a large police presence outside. Inside the packed court, an unshaven Mr Whant looked pale and dishevelled, wearing a blue top and dark trousers.