An alleged serial killer appeared at the Old Bailey this morning, as the jury was sworn in for his trial.
Stephen Port, 41, is accused of drugging and murdering four men he met on gay dating websites.
Mr Port, of Cooke Street, Barking, looked at the floor as his charges were read out to the jury.
He has been charged with four counts of murder and four counts of administering a poison.
He has also been accused of six further counts of administering a poison, seven of rape and four sexual assaults against another eight men.
He has previously pleaded not guilty to all the charges, which allegedly took place between 2011 and 2015.
Mr Port also faces four alternative charges of manslaughter for each of the murder counts, which he also denies.
Appearing in court wearing blue trousers, a blue tie and a white shirt with purple stripes, he will hear opening statements from Jonathan Rees QC for the prosecution this afternoon.
The trial continues.
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