A 24-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder and rape of schoolgirl Lucy McHugh.

The body of the 13-year-old was found in woodlands at Southampton Sports Centre on 26 July. She had been stabbed to death.

Stephen-Alan Nicholson, of no fixed address, has been charged with murder, rape and one count of sexual activity with a child in relation to the case.

He also faces a second count of sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl, which dates back to 2012, and is alleged to have taken place at Southampton Sports Centre.

The care worker, who also worked as a tattooist, appeared at Southampton magistrates court and was remanded in custody to appear at Winchester crown court on 19 November.

The defendant spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality during the brief hearing.

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