GUILTY UK - Lucy McHugh, 13, murdered,, Southampton, 25 July 2018

[Tortoise]

Thank you very much for your hard work @Alyce and @LittleMystery !

 

[HayLouise]

Thanks @Alyce and @LittleMystery

 

[JerseyGirl]

Accused calls girl's pregnancy claim 'nonsense'

 

[HongKongPhooey]

Thank you very much for your hard work @Alyce and @LittleMystery !

Seconded! Thanks

 

[HongKongPhooey]

Well today has been a lot more convincing in terms of the accused's guilt, IMO.

 

[LittleMystery]

He said today that Mr Elmes sobbed and confessed her death was 'all my fault' in the hours after her body was found in Southampton, saying 'it will come back on me'.

Describing a two-minute call made through Facebook Messenger at about 3.30pm on July 25 last year, Nicholson told Winchester Crown Court: 'Richard was crying.

'He said that a body that was found had been confirmed as being Lucy. He said 'it's all my fault' and that everything that had happened over the past few months will come back on to him.

'I said 'what are you going on about, you're confusing me, I'm lost' and he said 'don't worry, I am just being silly' and then he hung up.'

Jury is told to return not guilty verdict on charge in Lucy McHugh case | Daily Mail Online

Sorry, always lowering the tone with this source but I hadn’t seen this earlier.

 

[Elainera]

I wonder if RE will be called back on the stand to confirm/deny/explain those statements. Odd thing to say. Why did he feel this way?

 

[Alyce]

Very interesting chat with SN and RE. It would be good to hear REs reason for this comment.

 

[Alyce]

Today's live link

LIVE: Lucy McHugh trial - alleged killer to be cross-examined today

 

[Alyce]

Michael Seymour‏ @michaelgseymour 2m2 minutes ago

Lucy McHugh trial - alleged witness being cross-examined today. Live updates from Winchester Crown Court




( isn't he the alleged suspect ? )

 

[Alyce]

The trial is due to get under way shortly.

Today Nicholson will resume giving evidence and will be cross examined by prosecution barrister William Mousley QC.

 

[Alyce]

10:05am

Nicholson has now taken his place in the witness box, and the jury are in court.

 

[Alyce]

10:13am

Mr Mousley is asking Nicholson about why the items found be police in Tanner’s Brook can be linked to him. Mr Mousley asks if it’s bad luck.

Nicholson replies: “Yeap. As you see from CCTV, I was wearing different clothing that day.”



LIVE: Lucy McHugh trial - alleged killer to be cross-examined today

 

[Elainera]

Also weird that RE and SN both seem to like to burn things.

Probably does not mean anything at all, I just noticed it because I never burn stuff. Things go in the garbage or the recycling bin. I never met anyone in Europe who burns things like letters or old shoes. It's odd to me.

 

[Tortoise]

It's very awkward for the CPS not calling SW to testify. It's the elephant in the courtroom. She apparently was satisfied that Lucy was lying about SN, she went through an investigation process with social services, and as her mother would be the one who would care the most about Lucy and be most watchful for any substantiation to what Lucy was telling friends and vigilant from thereon in to what was happening under her roof. She would make an excellent witness for the defence.

Social Services should also be called to give evidence, since they were also satisfied that nothing was going on in the house so I would expect them to have visited the home and assessed the risk the school pointed out, including Lucy being looked after by a group of men who were barely adults.

 

[Alyce]

Mr Mousley asks Nicholson if the blue hoody found a Tanner’s Brook is a good fit for him.

Nicholson said: “From what I remember you said it was a size small.”

He added he wears sizes medium and large.

Mr Mousley asked Nicholson to explain why his tracksuit bottoms were found in Tanner's Brook.

He said: "I couldn't tell you."




LIVE: Lucy McHugh trial - alleged killer to be cross-examined today

 

[Tortoise]

Mr Nicholson admitted yesterday he liked "soft choking", which involves applying pressure to the sides of the neck, during sex, after two former partners told the court about his interest in it.


And this about the charge no longer being pursued -


Mrs Justice May said: "It is absolutely standard at the end of the prosecution case for the Crown to review the evidence there has been.

"Following that review, the Crown has determined there is insufficient evidence to support the charge at count six on the indictment for this case.



Lucy McHugh murder suspect claims her stepdad blamed himself for her death but admits he likes 'soft choking' during sex

 

[Alyce]

10:35am

Mr Mousley then moves to the remnants of underwear found.

Nicholson says they were at the address in Mansell Road East. He said Richard, Stacey and the kids could have had access to them.





LIVE: Lucy McHugh trial - alleged killer to be cross-examined today

 

[Alyce]

Mr Mousley is now turning to Nicholson's movements on July 25.

Mr Mousley repeatedly asked if Nicholson dumped the items in Tanner's Brook or burned the bag there.

Nicholson repeatedly said he didn't leave anything at Tanner's Brook.


LIVE: Lucy McHugh trial - alleged killer to be cross-examined today

 

[Alyce]

The coverage seems very limited today, considering this is the most crucial person being cross examined.