Teenager Aaron Campbell has admitted to the rape and murder of six-year-old Alesha MacPhail.
The court heard from background reports this morning that the 16-year-old had admitted responsibility, having denied any involvement in Alesha’s death throughout his trial.
The jury at the High Court last month returned a unanimous guilty verdict, with Campbell facing sentencing today.
Campbell’s lawyer said that the teenager had a “less than ideal upbringing” but that did not provide any mitigation to his actions.
Alesha had been visiting her dad and grandparents on the Isle of Bute last summer when she was snatched from her bed on July 2.
Armed with a knife, Campbell carried her to the former Kyles Hydropathic Hotel on the island where he raped and murdered her.
Alesha’s body was found in a wooded area a few hours after she was reported missing.
Judge Lord Mathews retired just after 11am this morning to consider Campbell’s sentence.
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