Stephen-Alan Nicholson charged with murder and rape of Southampton girl found stabbed to death

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

A 24-year-old man has been charged with the murder of schoolgirl Lucy McHugh.

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

Stephen-Alan Nicholson, 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.

One of the counts of sexual activity with a child dates back to 2012 and involves a 14-year-old girl.

He is to appear at Southampton magistrates’ court on Thursday.

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 body was found in woodland at Southampton Sports Centre on 26 July.

“Mr Nicholson is due to appear before Southampton magistrates on Thursday 15 November.”

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