Mum ‘beaten days before her murder’

ATTACKED Susan Nicholson TALENTED 18-year-old Ellen wanted to be a doctor

THIS is the man accused of murdering teenager Ellen Higginbottom on her way home from sixth-form college.

Shaven-headed Mark Buckley, 51, appeared at court yesterday via a prison video link and spoke only to confirm his name.

Would-be doctor Ellen, 18, was found with multiple neck injuries early on Saturday half a mile from Winstanley College in Wigan, Gtr Manchester. Buckley, from Preston, was told he will be tried in December.

Appearing with him at Manchester crown court were three people from Billinge, Merseyside, accused of handling Ellen’s mobile, laptop and other property and perverting justice.

Dean Speakman and Vicki Calland, both 30, pleaded guilty. They also admitted destroying the items believing Ellen was the victim of murder.

He was remanded in custody; she was bailed. David Steele, 47, did not plead and was remanded in custody.