AN APPEAL into the acquittal of a man accused of killing Kent girl Lucie Blackman has begun in Japan.

Former air steward Lucie, from Sevenoaks, vanished in 2000 while working as a bar hostess in Tokyo.

Her dismembered body was found in a cave several months later.

Following a lengthy campaign for justice by Lucie’s family, the prime suspect, millionaire property developer Joji Obara, was jailed for life last April for raping nine women, one of whom died following her attack, but was cleared of Lucie’s murder due to lack of proof.

The prosecution immediately launched an appeal against his acquittal, and the first hearing took place today. The case has now been adjourned until May.

None of the Blackman family were in court for the hearing, but Miss Blackman's father Tim, now living on The Isle of Wight, said in a statement: "It would seem that this process could drag out for some time, and frankly after the last seven years, Sophie [Miss Blackman's sister] and I both need to carry on with our lives."

Following his daughter’s death, Mr Blackman launched The Lucie Blackman Trust promoting safety and awareness for young women and travellers.