Couple on trial for murdering 7 women

A self-confessed serial killer dubbed the "Ogre of the Ardennes" went on trial yesterday for raping and murdering seven young women with the help of his wife.

Michel Fourniret, 65, has admitted killing seven women and girls over a 14-year period from 1987 to 2001. He operated mainly in the Ardennes region of northern France and Belgium.

His wife, Monique Olivier, 59, is accused of taking part in one of the murders and supporting Fourniret in four others. She said she acted under the influence of her husband.