A 16-year-old boy who raped and murdered six-year-old Alesha MacPhail has been sentenced to life in prison and will serve a minimum of 27 years.

Aaron Campbell, from Rothesay, killed the youngster while she visited her dad and grandparents during a holiday on the Isle of the Bute.

He pleaded not guilty during his trial, but a court heard on Thursday that he admitted carrying out the murder.

Armed with a knife, “cold-bloodied” Campbell snatched Alesha out of her bed before carrying her to the former Kyles Hydropathic Hotel on the island where he raped and murdered her on July 2 last year.

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He told the child he was a friend of her dad’s and was going to take her home, before raping and murdering her.

Campbell then threw his clothing into the sea before going back to the scene to retrieve his phone.

A judge told how he was “shocked” when he read the “cold-blooded and horrific” account given by the killer to a psychologist while awaiting sentencing.

Lord Matthews said: “You went into the house and then her bedroom.

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“You removed her from there and took her to a secluded spot where you violated and murdered her in the most brutal fashion.”

“It’s difficult to imagine the distress her family must have suffered.”

He added: “You said Alesha was drowsy and a bit more awake when you went outside. She asked who you were.

“You said you were a friend of her father’s and you were going to take her home.

“You gave her your top because she was cold.

“After you murdered Alesha you threw your bloodstained clothing into the sea, had a shower and then went back where you left her to retrieve your phone.”

Lord Matthews also revealed that Campbell was “mildly amused” the police had not arrested in him in the days following the murder.

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He said: “At points during the trial, it took everything to stop you laughing and zip your mouth.”

He then added: “You volunteered that you were quite satisfied with the murder.”

The teenager will spend four years in a young offenders institution before going to an adult jail.

Killer: The teenager admitted murdering the six-year-old.

Alesha’s body was found in a wooded area of the island a few hours after her family reported her missing.

The teenager previously claimed Alesha’s dad’s girlfriend, Toni McLachlan, had “murder on her mind”, blaming the 19-year-old for the killing.

However, it was reaffirmed during the sentencing hearing that Ms McLachlan had nothing to do with it.

Blamed: Campbell claimed Toni murdered Alesha.

Speaking outside court on behalf of mum Georgina Lochrane, Ann Marie Cocozza, of charity Friends Affected by Murder and Suicide, said: “She’s a broken woman and she’s determined to join us as a volunteer.

“I think it doesn’t surprise me and he’s not as clever as he thinks he is and he will be away for a long time.

“There is no words to describe what this trial has put the family through.

“The fact they put them through a trial and hear and see things.”