Youth back in court over Alesha MacPhail murder on Isle of Bute

A teenager charged with raping and murdering schoolgirl Alesha MacPhail on the Isle of Bute has appeared in court for a second time.

The 16-year-old male, who cannot be identified due to his age, made no plea at Greenock Sheriff Court on Friday.

He was fully committed and remanded in custody ahead of his next court appearance, the Crown Office said.

Alesha, six, was at the start of a summer break visiting family on the island in the Firth of Clyde when she was reported missing on July 2.

Her body was found in woodland and a murder probe was launched, leading to the arrest of a youth two days later.

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