Careworker was 'in a relationship' with 13-year-old girl whom he sexually assaulted and murdered in secluded woodland
A 24-year-old care worker from Southampton has been charged in the rape and murder of 13-year-old Lucy McHugh, whose sudden disappearance this past July had sparked a frantic search by family, friends, and police. Father-of-one Stephen Nicholson had previously been arrested on suspicion of the murder and sexual assault of Lucy but had been released on bail before being apprehended again and formally charged this week.
According to the Daily Mail, Nicholson made his appearance before a district judge at Southampton Magistrates' Court on November 15 and was charged with murder, rape, and one count of sexual activity with a child under 16. The 24-year-old, who has tattoos on his neck and above his right eye, was snapped sporting a grey tracksuit and spoke just to confirm his name, date of birth, and nationality.
