Man on Lucy, 13, murder charge

VICTIM: The teenager LUCY McHugh suspect Stephen-Alan Nicholson has been charged with the teenager’s murder.

The body of the 13-yearold was found in woodland at Southampton Sports Centre in July. She had been stabbed to death.

Nicholson has also been charged with the rape of a child under 13 and two counts of sexual activity with a child under 16.

One of the counts of sexual activity dates back to 2012 and involves a

14-year-old girl.

He is set to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court today. A Hampshire Police spokesman said: “Detectives investigating the murder of teenager Lucy McHugh have charged a man.

“Stephen-Alan Paul Nicholson, aged 24, of no fixed abode, has been charged with murder, rape of a child under 13 and two counts of sexual activity with a child under 16.”

Lucy’s mum Stacey White described her daughter as “a smiling, content little dolly who everyone adored and cherished”.

Her body was found the day after she disappeared after leaving her home.