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

[bfin1995]

She had her own bedroom.

"This summer Alesha had come for a three-week stay. One parent, whose daughter was to have a playdate with her on Thursday, described how her grandparents had recently created a bedroom for the little girl on the top floor."

Alesha MacPhail death: Bute grieves for its innocence

 

[Yenriac]

Premeditated maybe however decided and arranged in roughly half an hour -if my understanding of the timescale is correct.

Yes premeditated but decided upon that night.

 

[TaylorCallum]

Did we ever find out if his father was in court?
Did anyone else wonder why the judge asked his mother if she was going to stay in court?
Is that normally asked of a witness or relative even in unusual circumstances as this?
Also, it puzzled me slightly as to why R and T said that they were watching - what was the point in mentioning it?

No, I don't think it was ever mentioned if his family were in court. We know his mother wasn't but that's it. I'd take it for granted his sister wasn't and since we've heard pretty much nothing from his father I'd probably assume he wasn't either but I might be wrong.
Maybe it was because had no family present in court and because he was technically a minor the judge was wondering if there would be anyone there for him? I'm just guessing though.
Not sure, never heard of it before though.
Yeah, I don't really know why they said that either. Or why they felt the need to mention that, but they didn't mention that they had, had an argument out on the street earlier that night (according to a witness). There are some very odd things in this case.

 

[Eve71]

If the act was impulsive and circumstances enabled it; does the barbarity of it fit into his having (as far as we know) no previous crime history?
Maybe he has approached children before? That's a horrible thought.
I know Angus Sinclair committed his first crime at 16 years and I'm sure there have been others. I wonder if those crimes were as barbaric and how would they have behaved if CCTV had caught them straight after.
As TaylorCallum says, this will be baffling us all for a very long time.

I think because of social media there's more to see of the wee boy who turned into a monster and that makes it even harder to comprehend. Before FB and YT etc all we would have had was a black/white photo of a murderer as a child.

There’s been talk of previous, skinning cats, attacking children etc so if all true , then yes he did have previous. He was very much a ticking time bomb and the brutality he showed Alesha was a combination of things that all compounded that morning. He had roughly 1 hour alone with her , complety secluded in those woods, maybe the thought he’d get caught did run through his sick mind so he made sure he had his day.

Social media does have an incredible amount of influence, I’ve not viewed his videos (can’t stomach him) but those who have remark on just how ‘normal’ he appears, but then Rose West could have been anyones doting mum, her physical image does not portray the monster she is. Same with Bundy.... charming, charismatic, handsome .

 

[Mrs Marple]

No, I don't think it was ever mentioned if his family were in court. We know his mother wasn't but that's it. I'd take it for granted his sister wasn't and since we've heard pretty much nothing from his father I'd probably assume he wasn't either but I might be wrong.
Maybe it was because had no family present in court and because he was technically a minor the judge was wondering if there would be anyone there for him? I'm just guessing though.
Not sure, never heard of it before though.
Yeah, I don't really know why they said that either. Or why they felt the need to mention that, but they didn't mention that they had, had an argument out on the street earlier that night (according to a witness). There are some very odd things in this case.

Do they have an advocacy service in Scotland for minors? Or otherwise appropriate adult?

 

[Ardoch]

Yes premeditated but decided upon that night.

It's back to the 'trying to get into his mindset' scenario albeit impossible.
Did he say to himself in his depressed state of mind and after his friend left (who said that he seemed to have calmed down a bit)
" I'm doing something/it tonight"
If so, did he just take the chance that he would be able to abduct A?
Wonder if he had an excuse ready if he had got caught at the house?
"I was looking for drugs"

 

[TaylorCallum]

There’s been talk of previous, skinning cats, attacking children etc so if all true , then yes he did have previous. He was very much a ticking time bomb and the brutality he showed Alesha was a combination of things that all compounded that morning. He had roughly 1 hour alone with her , complety secluded in those woods, maybe the thought he’d get caught did run through his sick mind so he made sure he had his day.

Social media does have an incredible amount of influence, I’ve not viewed his videos (can’t stomach him) but those who have remark on just how ‘normal’ he appears, but then Rose West could have been anyones doting mum, her physical image does not portray the monster she is. Same with Bundy.... charming, charismatic, handsome .

I would still like these rumours confirmed honestly. Not that I don't think he's capable, since we're well aware of the depravity he is capable of, but I would like to know the actual truth of his behaviour prior to the murder and not just sensationalisation or conjecture. It still confuses me at the prospect of someone apparently being a known cat killer, fire starter, trying to drown someone, sexual harassing someone, being by all accounts an all-round violent weirdo and yet still being popular, having a decent friend group, doing well in school, having a girlfriend etc. It doesn't really add up for me.

But I do agree about social media having a huge influence and also about never knowing whether someone is dangerous or not just based on their appearance. They can be harbouring a lot of craziness under a facade. It's scary to think about.

 

[Ardoch]

No, I don't think it was ever mentioned if his family were in court. We know his mother wasn't but that's it. I'd take it for granted his sister wasn't and since we've heard pretty much nothing from his father I'd probably assume he wasn't either but I might be wrong.
Maybe it was because had no family present in court and because he was technically a minor the judge was wondering if there would be anyone there for him? I'm just guessing though.
Not sure, never heard of it before though.
Yeah, I don't really know why they said that either. Or why they felt the need to mention that, but they didn't mention that they had, had an argument out on the street earlier that night (according to a witness). There are some very odd things in this case.

Thanks, I never thought about the judge asking for that reason.

 

[Sleuthdolf]

That footage had never been released and for good reason but I too would appreciate viewing it. ( it would upset me greatly though )

I’m not really in the know with the highland dancing/ex girlfriend connection. I only know Alesha did attend a dance class on the island and a helper was a convicted child abuser, not sure if she helped at the same class ?

It would be a horrible thing to see. I'll avoid talking about the connection as I spent too much time thinking about it, which isn't healthy.

We have no proof whatsoever that anyone stopped selling anyone weed Most dealers would just say "aye no bother" and continue to sell to the person, they still sold to his sister. So im not buying "we stopped".

Rabs parents have more or less admitted no one locks their doors so I doubt the key in the lock was a one off and with a 26 year old floating in and out makes sense to keep key in door, very little crime in area I live in Glasgow and don't lock my door . shh don't tell anyone

No 16 year old is breaking into their dealers house full stop, doesnt happen.

He had a knife because he always carries one, that night was no different.

The house planning application was refused, meaning its still a two bed flat.

What is interesting to me is where were they all sleeping? I still think she was downstairs there has been very little info on flat layout. WHY? because she was sleeping downstairs in the living room, perhaps. no judging just saying probably convenient, Not a lot has been revealed about that but its really the easiest way he could have got her out. The fact that the info on layout and exactly where she was sleeping hasn't been revealed, tells me that's probably whats happened and the reason he was able to get her without much notice.

Was his black hoody not found nearer the knife than the joggies that's probably why there was no fibres from that on her or vice versa.

Totally believe it was opportunist, he tried for weed, went to see if they were still up even though they blanked the phone ( common) house in darkness, key in door, shes in living room, out with little or no effort. If his palm print had been there from months ago it would have been degraded by the many people going in and out.

He saw an opportunity and he took it I truly believe it was that simple for him and that poor child suffered as a result.

If he did continue to sell him weed I can't see why RM wouldn't admit it in court, but that's a good point about his sister. I think they would have known it was for him.

In regards to where she slept. She had a creaky door and they described it at as her bedroom. That could mean her actual bedroom or a room she sleeps in being referred to as her bedroom. It's just mind boggling this case is.

 

[Eve71]

We have no proof whatsoever that anyone stopped selling anyone weed Most dealers would just say "aye no bother" and continue to sell to the person, they still sold to his sister. So im not buying "we stopped".

Rabs parents have more or less admitted no one locks their doors so I doubt the key in the lock was a one off and with a 26 year old floating in and out makes sense to keep key in door, very little crime in area I live in Glasgow and don't lock my door . shh don't tell anyone

No 16 year old is breaking into their dealers house full stop, doesnt happen.

He had a knife because he always carries one, that night was no different.

The house planning application was refused, meaning its still a two bed flat.

What is interesting to me is where were they all sleeping? I still think she was downstairs there has been very little info on flat layout. WHY? because she was sleeping downstairs in the living room, perhaps. no judging just saying probably convenient, Not a lot has been revealed about that but its really the easiest way he could have got her out. The fact that the info on layout and exactly where she was sleeping hasn't been revealed, tells me that's probably whats happened and the reason he was able to get her without much notice.

Was his black hoody not found nearer the knife than the joggies that's probably why there was no fibres from that on her or vice versa.

Totally believe it was opportunist, he tried for weed, went to see if they were still up even though they blanked the phone ( common) house in darkness, key in door, shes in living room, out with little or no effort. If his palm print had been there from months ago it would have been degraded by the many people going in and out.

He saw an opportunity and he took it I truly believe it was that simple for him and that poor child suffered as a result.

I do take their word for it that they stopped. Rab said he did and at his daughters murder trial, I can’t see why he’d lie, there was no reason to.

It was stated in court the grandparents had made a bedroom for her, I believe it was in the attic but then the grandfather said he first realised Aleshas bedroom door was open having almost walked into it when going to the bathroom , so that would suggest they were all on the same floor. Rab also stated he’d heard Alesha leave her bedroom and go into the living room, he got up and took her back to her bedroom. Alesha having her own bedroom has been well documented so I believe she did.

 

[Yenriac]

It's back to the 'trying to get into his mindset' scenario albeit impossible.
Did he say to himself in his depressed state of mind and after his friend left (who said that he seemed to have calmed down a bit)
" I'm doing something/it tonight"
If so, did he just take the chance that he would be able to abduct A?
Wonder if he had an excuse ready if he had got caught at the house?
"I was looking for drugs"

I think something in him said i'm doing it tonight.
I'm not 100% sure Alesha was his intended victim, i think he was a prowler who happened upon a door with a key to open it. Yes he knew Alesha was in there and that is why he took the opportunity to abduct her.
It wouldn't surprise me if he used looking for drugs as an excuse if he was caught. He's had many years of practicing his poor me routine and lying.
All JMO

 

[TaylorCallum]

Do they have an advocacy service in Scotland for minors? Or otherwise appropriate adult?

I think they do but I'm really not knowledgeable about it. I'm sure someone else here will know better.

 

[Ardoch]

I would still like these rumours confirmed honestly. Not that I don't think he's capable, since we're well aware of the depravity he is capable of, but I would like to know the actual truth of his behaviour prior to the murder and not just sensationalisation or conjecture. It still confuses me at the prospect of someone apparently being a known cat killer, fire starter, trying to drown someone, sexual harassing someone, being by all accounts an all-round violent weirdo and yet still being popular, having a decent friend group, doing well in school, having a girlfriend etc. It doesn't really add up for me.

But I do agree about social media having a huge influence and also about never knowing whether someone is dangerous or not just based on their appearance. They can be harbouring a lot of craziness under a facade. It's scary to think about.

.
Same here however I think more details will emerge after the sentencing.

 

[Yenriac]

I think they do but I'm really not knowledgeable about it. I'm sure someone else here will know better.

Been looking online, i can't see anything.

 

[TaylorCallum]

Been looking online, i can't see anything.

Hmm, I tried to look too and everything I've seen are independent advocacy services.

 

[Sleuthdolf]

I think something in him said i'm doing it tonight.
I'm not 100% sure Alesha was his intended victim, i think he was a prowler who happened upon a door with a key to open it. Yes he knew Alesha was in there and that is why he took the opportunity to abduct her.
It wouldn't surprise me if he used looking for drugs as an excuse if he was caught. He's had many years of practicing his poor me routine and lying.
All JMO

I totally agree

 

[Yenriac]

I totally agree

This is why i think he made the phonecalls for weed. It was his excuse for prowling around during the night and proven by his call logs if anyone was to look. RM and TM were included in those calls because at that point he hadn't decided on the victim only the act. Again JMO.

 

[Popcorn80]

Has anything ever been released about him being know to social services at all?

 

[Yenriac]

Has anything ever been released about him being know to social services at all?

I don't think anything was released in that respect.

 

[TaylorCallum]

Has anything ever been released about him being know to social services at all?

No, which I find odd as well regarding all the rumours. Surely social services would have been contacted? Especially if he was always getting "blamed by the police" for things. If he was a minor and the police kept having to deal with him, surely they - or other islanders who felt threatened by him - would have phoned social services, no? I don't know, maybe I'm thinking too much into it.