Alesha MacPhail Murder Trial Shown Pictures Of Schoolgirl's Body

12 February 2019, 13:07 | Updated: 12 February 2019, 13:24

Images of a murdered schoolgirl's body lying in woods have been shown to a jury as the trial's first witness gave evidence.

Alesha MacPhail, six, was found dead near the house where she was staying on the Isle of Bute last summer.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, denies raping and murdering her on July 2.

Several people left the public gallery at the High Court in Glasgow when prosecutors said pictures from the scene where Alesha's body was found would be shown.

Scene examiner Edward Brown, 50, said Alesha's body was discovered in a wooded area off a path near the house where she was staying and to the home of the accused.

Pictures showed her naked body lying on the ground and some clothing nearby.

The jury had heard shorts, pants and a vest were recovered a short distance from her.

Images were also shown to the court of the attic flat where she was staying with her grandparents and father, including Alesha's bedroom.

The teenager denies taking the child from her bed before assaulting and murdering her.

He also denies attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of clothing and a knife.

The trial continues.