A MAN is due to go on trial next week over allegations of murder and sexual activity with a child.

Stephen Nicholson, of no fixed address, will appear at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday, June 18 for the beginning of the trial, following the death of Southampton teenager Lucy McHugh.

The 25-year-old denied the single counts of murder and sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years, and two counts of sexual activity with a child – one of which relates to a 14-year-old girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, dating back to 2012.

As previously reported, 13-year-old Lucy's body was found in a wooded area at Southampton Sports Centre on July 26 after going missing from her home in Mansel Road East the previous day.

A post-mortem later revealing she died of stab wounds.

A murder investigation was launched by police, who taped off a large area of the sports centre following the discovery.