A teenager has appeared in court charged with the rape and murder of six-year-old Alesha MacPhail.
The little girl was found dead on the Isle of Bute in Scotland near her grandparents’ house on Monday. She was reported missing from her home at 6.25am that day and her body was found less than three hours later by a member of the public.
The arrested 16-year-old cannot be named for legal reasons. UK media has reported that the teenager is known to Alesha’s family.
WATCH🎥: A teenager from the Isle of #Bute has been charged with the rape & murder of 6 year old Alesha MacPhail. Our reporter @KerriDocherty is at #Greenock Sheriff Court: pic.twitter.com/HKcQbUjnXv
— Clyde 1 News (@Clyde1News) July 6, 2018
He made no plea when charged and has been remanded in custody. The boy is likely to appear back in court next week.
Yesterday, Detective Superintendent Stuart Houston paid tribute to Alesha’s family.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank Alesha’s family who have shown incredible bravery through what has been an unimaginable ordeal during these past few days,” he said.
A relative speaking to TheSun.co.uk stated:
“Everyone is numb. My neighbour is so concerned because he has two children and they are terrified. The eldest would sleep in his own room.”
The headteacher of Alesha’s school, Chapelside Primary in Airdrie, also released an emotional statement.
Wendy Davie said: “Alesha started with us in August 2016 and had just finished Primary 2.
“She loved being at school and enjoyed all aspects of literacy, in particular writing. She was such a perfectionist in her handwriting and was very proud of her work.
“Alesha was very friendly and she welcomed everyone first thing in the morning at breakfast club.
“She was a very considerate child who loved being part of a group and she was popular with all the other children and was a smiley and happy young girl.”
