A 24-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder and rape of 13-year-old Lucy McHugh. 

Stephen-Alan Nicholson, of no fixed abode, was remanded in custody at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning. 

Nicholson has also been charged with a count of sexual activity with a child under 16, in relation to McHugh. 

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

District Judge Lorraine Morgan told Nicholson: “All these matters are now sent to the crown court at Winchester.

“You will appear at that court on 19 November in the morning of that day. You will be remanded in custody on all matters to appear before the court at that time.”

The defendant was wearing a grey sweatshirt with tattoos visible on his neck and face, and only spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality during the brief hearing.

McHugh was stabbed to death and her body was found by a member of the public in woodland at Southampton Sports Centre on 26 July. 

Detectives say the 13-year-old left her house in Mansel Road East at 9.30am on Wednesday 25 July.

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