A MAN accused of murdering Lucy McHugh dumped clothes that had DNA links to the schoolgirl, a court has heard.
Stephen Nicholson, 25, is accused of repeatedly stabbing the 13-year-old.
Stephen Nicholson had been lodging with Lucy McHugh’s family[/caption]
Forensic scientist Jessica Adby said a blood-stained hoodie found in woodland contained both their DNA profiles.
Mrs Adby explained that the hoodie was wet and mouldy when it was found and the water could have “diluted” the DNA samples.
And surgical gloves found nearby were “one billion times more likely” to come from Nicholson than another person.
She said tests were also carried out on “extensively blood-stained” clothing found on Lucy’s body at the sports centre which matched her DNA.
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She said there were no “downward drips” of blood on her clothing which would have occurred if she had been standing when she suffered her injuries.
Nicholson, who had lodged with Lucy’s family, denies murdering her near Southampton Sports Centre last July, and raping her when she was 12.
He also denies sexual activity with a girl of 14. The trial at Winchester crown court continues.
Lucy is seen on CCTV on the day of her murder walking towards the outdoor sports centre[/caption]
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