A MIDDLE-AGED father-of-three went on trial today for the murder of teenager Julian Brookfield, whose body was found during the redevelopment of Blackburn Rovers' football ground.

Brian Blakemore, 51, of Rose Place, Accrington, is the former landlord of 84 Nuttall Street, Blackburn, the site on which the Darwen youth's body was found by workmen on Tuesday, July 19, 1994.

The discovery was made after the house had been demolished to make way for the new Jack Walker Stand at Ewood Park. Blakemore, who was due to appear in the dock at Preston Crown Court today, is also accused of concealing a body and obstructing the coroner.

He has been on bail while awaiting trial.

The trial is expected to last for more than a week.

Julian, a former pupil at Darwen Vale High School, was 19 when he disappeared in August, 1984.

His body was identified using hospital and dental records when it was discovered ten years later.

Julian's mother Annette is a former Blackburn councillor.

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