UK - Alesha MacPhail, 6, raped & murdered, Ardbeg, Isle of Bute, Scotland, 2 Jul 2018 -*arrest* #6

[TaylorCallum]

Not wanting to offer any kind of support to AC, but I wonder if he had been given some form of medication to keep him calm and able to attend the trial ? That could have made him appear to have no strong emotions.

I never thought about that. You could be right. I would really like to know how his (ex)girlfriend perceived him. If she thought he was cold and distant or if she thought their relationship was genuine and he actually cared about her. Obviously, at the time I assume she thought it was real but I wonder what she thinks now in hindsight.

I have read before that Alesha was afraid of the dark, but hadn't thought about it too much previously.
But, reading it again, now makes me think it would be very unlikely that she would have wandered out into the stairwell at night - so, as strange as it seems, he must have got into the main flat and to her room.
Genie also says that Alesha would scream and shout if a stranger appeared - so I do think, at that point, he did something to keep her quiet.
The cctv footage also seems to back this up, it does not appear to show a child struggling - I think she was unconscious during this time.

Yeah, I agree. It makes even less sense that she would go wandering out to the stairwell. Or that she would willingly go with him if she was awake without making any sort of noise. I just don't know how he would be able to take her while she was sleeping without waking her. Strange.

 

[Kikixxxx]

I do remember they reported him as being upset when the Judge lifted the anonymity order - and I did wonder why it bothered him - as nothing else that far had seemed to be a concern to him.

Really I never heard that, where did you read it can you remember?

 

[Cherwell]

I have read before that Alesha was afraid of the dark, but hadn't thought about it too much previously.
But, reading it again, now makes me think it would be very unlikely that she would have wandered out into the stairwell at night - so, as strange as it seems, he must have got into the main flat and to her room.

Depends if the stairwell was lit. Also how high is the door handle - would she have been able to reach it?

 

[Kikixxxx]

Being tearful when his anonymity was lifted doesn’t make sense with everything else he’s done though, smiled at the family when he was found guilty, he loved being centre stage in court , his very offensive defence and also when the judge decided to lift the anonymity his QC could have appealed which would have give him at least another two weeks of staying anonymous but I remember his QC saying to the judge I’ve been advised not to appeal. So it makes no sense does it? Unless at that point he thought F*** it

 

[TaylorCallum]

Being tearful when his anonymity was lifted doesn’t make sense with everything else he’s done though, smiled at the family when he was found guilty, he loved being centre stage in court , his very offensive defence and also when the judge decided to lift the anonymity his QC could have appealed which would have give him at least another two weeks of staying anonymous but I remember his QC saying to the judge I’ve been advised not to appeal. So it makes no sense does it? Unless at that point he thought F*** it

He seems to have a bit of a split personality at times honestly. I don't think he actually has DID, because he would have been diagnosed with that pre-trial, but the conflicting reports of him are odd. Even his behaviour seems to change, like going from being erratic at the crime scene and leaving DNA everywhere to being somewhat methodical and not leaving a trace in his own house or at Alesha's grandparents. But like you said he might have just have reached a point where he didn't care anymore and knew it was pointless appealing.

 

[Kiranerys]

He seems to have a bit of a split personality at times honestly. I don't think he actually has DID, because he would have been diagnosed with that pre-trial, but the conflicting reports of him are odd. Even his behaviour seems to change, like going from being erratic at the crime scene and leaving DNA everywhere to being somewhat methodical and not leaving a trace in his own house or at Alesha's grandparents. But like you said he might have just have reached a point where he didn't care anymore and knew it was pointless appealing.

Or he never wanted to remain anonymous at all,I think he wanted the world to know who he is,even though he didn't admit guilt and claim his crime he still wanted the recognition of it,if that makes sense?!(if his qc had been advised not to appeal that could only have come from AC himself,no?)
He seems to know what he is expected to feel,and tries to play the game somewhat halfheartedly,but personally I don't believe he feels anything at all.

 

[TaylorCallum]

Or he never wanted to remain anonymous at all,I think he wanted the world to know who he is,even though he didn't admit guilt and claim his crime he still wanted the recognition of it,if that makes sense?!(if his qc had been advised not to appeal that could only have come from AC himself,no?)

Yes, that makes perfect sense. You might be right. But then I don't understand why he made up the "price on his head" thing? Do you think that was just to get more publicity? Or to make sure he had extra security in Polmont? I think it must have come from Aaron, yes.

 

[Kikixxxx]

Or he never wanted to remain anonymous at all,I think he wanted the world to know who he is,even though he didn't admit guilt and claim his crime he still wanted the recognition of it,if that makes sense?!(if his qc had been advised not to appeal that could only have come from AC himself,no?)
He seems to know what he is expected to feel,and tries to play the game somewhat halfheartedly,but personally I don't believe he feels anything at all.

But then why get tearful?

 

[TaylorCallum]

He confuses me. I wish he would admit what happened and also answer all the questions everyone has about that night and also the rumours regarding him. Obviously, that won't happen but it's very frustrating. It must be even more so for Alesha's family.

 

[Kiranerys]

Yes, that makes perfect sense. You might be right. But then I don't understand why he made up the "price on his head" thing? Do you think that was just to get more publicity? Or to make sure he had extra security in Polmont? I think it must have come from Aaron, yes.

I think it was just more game playing to be honest,he knew the judge was going to lift the anonymity order,but he also knew the media would be having a field day and the poor little me,I'm scared for my safety routine is just more manipulation,another way to get a bit more mileage out of the situation.He was isolated for his own protection,how would he know if there was a threat credible or otherwise?,and I'm sure I read that Aleshas gran didn't want him named,she said it was exactly what he wanted.

 

[Kiranerys]

But then why get tearful?

Theatrics!!

 

[TaylorCallum]

I think it was just more game playing to be honest,he knew the judge was going to lift the anonymity order,but he also knew the media would be having a field day and the poor little me,I'm scared for my safety routine is just more manipulation,another way to get a bit more mileage out of the situation.He was isolated for his own protection,how would he know if there was a threat credible or otherwise?,and I'm sure I read that Aleshas gran didn't want him named,she said it was exactly what he wanted.

I mean I guess he always did want to be famous, didn't he? Or at least internet famous judging by his YouTube channels. I suppose he got his wish but in a very twisted way. Well, infamous to be precise, but his name and face were plastered all over newspapers and social media, so it's the same end result really.

 

[Alyce]

Really I never heard that, where did you read it can you remember?

I have just spent more time than I meant to, scrolling back through earlier threads and msm reports, but can’t find the quote.
It could have been a tweet on feb 22 or a newspaper article that has been removed or snipped, as does happen.
But I do remember the comment as I found it odd that he was upset about his name being revealed... I had thought he would enjoy being “known”

 

[Yenriac]

Being tearful when his anonymity was lifted doesn’t make sense with everything else he’s done though, smiled at the family when he was found guilty, he loved being centre stage in court , his very offensive defence and also when the judge decided to lift the anonymity his QC could have appealed which would have give him at least another two weeks of staying anonymous but I remember his QC saying to the judge I’ve been advised not to appeal. So it makes no sense does it? Unless at that point he thought F*** it

He became tearful because he realised he no longer had the protection of anonymity.

 

[Yenriac]

Really I never heard that, where did you read it can you remember?

Georgina says that in the second article i posted upthread, but i never heard it before.

 

[Eve71]

Poor woman, my heart breaks for her. She’s only 23 and will have to live with her grief for the rest of her life. I understand why she would want to see him , she needs answers. Even if A.C. did agree to see her, I doubt the visit would get authorisation.

I didn’t realise Aleshas body wasn’t moved till 24 hours later. That made me so sad, to think of her there all that time.

 

[Eve71]

I do remember they reported him as being upset when the Judge lifted the anonymity order - and I did wonder why it bothered him - as nothing else that far had seemed to be a concern to him.

I guess because he would become a certain target in prison. He may revel in his notoriety outside those walls but when it comes to his own safety , he’s just a coward.

 

[Neko Luna Moon]

I've been thinking about him and his friend that he spoke about serial killers with. Like someone else commented, I wonder if he was trying to impress her with having her find the body? I can't help but think even people who are "into" serial killers would find it difficult to be impressed with someone who raped and murdered a small, defenseless child. Surely even they would balk at what he has done and definitely would not find it "cool"or whatever it is they find attractive about these individuals.

 

[TaylorCallum]

I've been thinking about him and his friend that he spoke about serial killers with. Like someone else commented, I wonder if he was trying to impress her with having her find the body? I can't help but think even people who are "into" serial killers would find it difficult to be impressed with someone who raped and murdered a small, defenseless child. Surely even they would balk at what he has done and definitely would not find it "cool"or whatever it is they find attractive about these individuals.

I assume he had a warped perception of what they both found fascinating about serial killers. I assume she - like many of us - had a genuine interest in true crime, the psychology of killers, that sort of thing. Whereas Aaron's interest was clearly much darker and actually involved the killing and other gory details.

 

[Kikixxxx]

I assume he had a warped perception of what they both found fascinating about serial killers. I assume she - like many of us - had a genuine interest in true crime, the psychology of killers, that sort of thing. Whereas Aaron's interest was clearly much darker and actually involved the killing and other gory details.

She must be a bit odd though aswell, I mean I’m interested in true crime but I don’t fantasise about murdering someone and how I’d get away with it like those two did, she suggested using a machete didn’t she? And he said “no it would be much more cunning” she needs to be kept a close eye on too id say.