Minnie Merriman: Wakefield man in court again on murder charge over death of nine-year-old girl
The 35-year-old has been charged with murder
A Wakefield man charged with murder following the death of a nine-year-old girl in Scotland has appeared in court for a second time.
Minnie Merriman was found injured just after midnight on August 3 at the Elliot industrial estate Arbroath, Angus, while her family were camping in the area.
She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she later died.
Christopher Rice, 35, of Wakefield, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court last week charged with murder.
He made a further appearance in private at the same court on Thursday.
He did not enter a plea and was fully committed and remanded in custody.
The date of his next court appearance is yet to be confirmed.
Minnie’s family previously paid tribute to her in a statement released through Police Scotland.
They said: “We are devastated with the loss of our beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo.
“Our family asks that our privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.”
There was a police presence in the area for a number of days following the incident while further investigations were carried out.
Floral tributes were also left at the scene.
It is understood West Yorkshire Police supported Police Scotland’s investigation.