Stephen Nicholson: Man charged with murder of Southampton schoolgirl Lucy McHugh

The teenager was found stabbed to death in woodland in Southampton

Lucy McHugh was described by her mother as 'a smiling, content little dolly who everyone adored and cherished'. (PA)

A man has been charged with the murder of 13-year-old schoolgirl Lucy McHugh.

Stephen-Alan Nicholson, 24, is also accused of rape and two counts of sexual activity with a child under 16.

Lucy’s body was found in woodland near Southampton Sports Centre on 26 July. She had been stabbed to death.

She was last seen at her family home in the west of the city the previous morning.

Last month her mother Stacey White issued a tribute to the teenager on what would have been her fourteenth birthday.

“Lucy my angel you were and will always be the most unique person I have known,” said Ms White in a statement.

“We will never forget all the memories and smiles you brought to our lives.

“We will sit and chat to you every day just like you were here. You will never be forgotten. My smiling Lip Gloss Angel.”

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: “Detectives investigating the murder of teenager Lucy McHugh have charged a man.

“Stephen-Alan Paul Nicholson, aged 24, of no fixed abode, has been charged with murder, rape of a child under 13 and two counts of sexual activity with a child under 16.”

One of the charges of sexual activity with a child dates back to 2012 and involves a 14 year-old girl.

Nicholson is due to appear at Southampton Magistrates Court on Thursday.