A tattoo artist has today pleaded not guilty to the rape of 13-year-old Lucy McHugh who was found stabbed to death in woodland.
Stephen Nicholson, of no fixed address, is charged with the murder of the schoolgirl in Southampton, Hampshire in July last year, which he denies.
At the star of his trial today at Winchester Crown Court, he pleaded not guilty to three charges of rape when she was 12 years old and two charges of sexual activity with a child when she was aged 13.
A panel of jurors has been selected from which 12 will be sworn in on Thursday when the prosecution is expected to open its case.
