Teenager Danielle Jones was in "such a state" after a family argument she would have attempted suicide, a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court heard.

One of Danielle's closest friends, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, told the court of the dispute, in March last year.

Michael Borrelli QC, defending Campbell, asked the girl in cross examination: "You told us there was one time you saw her after she missed the school bus.

"She was very upset. You said you had not seen her like this before or since. This was in March?"

The witness agreed and Mr Borrelli then asked: "Was she in such a state she tried to commit suicide?"

Again, the teenager answered: "Yes."

Mr Borrelli continued: "Was there also a threat of packing bags and leaving home, leaving to go and stay with her nan?"

The teenager replied that was correct, but said she did not know to which of her grandparents Danielle had referred.

Prosecutor Orlando Pownall QC later asked: "On this occasion in March you've been asked about, when Danielle was upset, how upset was she?"

The girl replied: "She was very upset ? but she wanted to sort things out."

She could not remember the exact words Danielle used to refer to the idea of suicide, she added.

Mr Pownall then asked: "Did you ever think that, on June 18 (when Danielle went missing), she had packed her bags or committed suicide?"

The teenager replied emphatically: "No."

Stuart Campbell, 44, of Meadow Road, Grays, denies the abduction and murder of Danielle Jones, of Hayle, East Tilbury. The case continues

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Published Wednesday October 23, 2002

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