US teen death court appearance

George Zimmerman has made his first court appearance to face a second degree murder charge in Florida. He is accused of murdering unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin in a case that has sparked accusations of racial bias, and protest in the United States.

When Zimmerman first turned up in the courtroom the judge admitted he didn't recognise him.

Trayvon Martin's family had just one minute to see George Zimmerman in court. It was a very brief hearing, Zimmerman not even speaking to confirm his name.

The court was offered a two page affidavit which was said to give the details of what went on the night that Trayvon Martin was killed.

No bail application was made and Zimmerman will remain in custody until his next court appearance on 29th May when the case will be formally put to him.

George Zimmerman's lawyer has reacted to comments from Trayvon Martin's mother that Tryvon's death may have been 'an accident':

George Zimmerman has made his initial appearance before a court in Florida. He will return before the court 29th May.

Speaking to NBC on The Today show Trayvon Martin's mother, Sybrina Fulton has said that she believes the shooting of her son was an accident.

When asked what she would say to George Zimmerman, the man charged with the murder of Trayvon she said:

"I believe it was an accident. I believe that it just got out of control and he couldn't turn the clock back. I would ask him - did he know that that was a minor that that was a teenager and that he did not have a weapon. "

A lawyer for Trayvon Martin's family told ITV1's Daybreak "justice has been served" after George Zimmerman was charged with second degree murder.

George Zimmerman will appear at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility, Florida, at 1.30pm local time (6.30pm BST) later today.

Natalie Jackson, a lawyer for Trayvon Martin's family, told ITV1's Daybreak that the family "feel simple justice has been served" after George Zimmerman was charged with second degree murder.

Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, the parent's of murdered teen Trayvon Martin, express their relief at the news George Zimmerman has been charged.

• February 26: Trayvon Martin, 17, was shot dead in a gated community in Sanford, Florida, by George Zimmerman, 28, who claims he acted in self-defence.
• March 7: Ben Crump, the lawyer hired by Martin's parents, said they were unable to convince Sanford police to arrest Zimmerman.

• March 16: Police release 911 tapes from night of the shooting. The story goes viral.
• March 21: Protesters stage a Million Hoodies March. Martin was wearing a "hoodie" when he was shot.
• March 23: Barack Obama said it is "absolutely imperative" the Martin case is thoroughly investigated.

• March 26: Orlando Sentinel report Zimmerman told police he shot Martin after he was attacked by the teenager.
• April 10: Attorneys for Zimmerman withdraw from case, saying he is not answering their calls.
• April 11: It is announced Zimmerman has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.