The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Murdered girl’s father will not attend funeral
The father of murdered schoolgirl Lucy McHugh has said he will not attend her funeral to “avoid unnecessary conflict”.
The body of the 13-yearold was found in woodland at Southampton Sports Centre on July 26. She had been stabbed to death.
Her mother, Stacey White, has arranged for her funeral in Southampton, on Monday.
It will be a “celebration of life” and those attending are asked to wear Lucy’s favourite colours, green and blue.
Her father, Andy McHugh, posted on Facebook that he feels unable to attend, writing: “To honour my daughter and avoid unnecessary conflict I have made the difficult decision not to attend the public celebration of Lucy’s life.
“I am arranging an alternative service for those who wish to honour Lucy and say goodbye, but have felt unable to attend the public event.”
He added: “Yes I have not seen my daughter for 4 years but it doesn’t mean I am not hurting she was my daughter as well.”
Detectives are still appealing for witnesses to Lucy’s final movements after she left her home on the morning of July 25.
Stephen-Alan Nicholson, 24, who was arrested on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child, was released on police bail on July 31 but was remanded in custody by Southampton Magistrates’ Court for failing to provide his Facebook password to detectives.
He will next appear at Southampton Crown Court on August 31.