Father of nine-year-old Minnie Merriman to stand trial accused of her murder
The father of nine-year-old Minnie Merriman, who died after being found seriously injured at an industrial estate in Arbroath, is to stand trial accused of her murder.
Christopher Rice, 35, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, appeared privately via videolink at Forfar Sheriff Court for a second time. He made no plea and was remanded in custody before being fully committed for trial.
Prosecutors allege that Rice killed Minnie, who died at Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital on 3 August as a result of her injuries.
Emergency services rushed to Arbroath industrial estate
Emergency services were called to the Elliot Industrial Estate shortly after midnight on 3 August after reports that a child had been found seriously injured.
Minnie was taken to Ninewells Hospital along with four other people, but later died.
Police Scotland has said officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death. Other members of the family, who had been camping in the area, are being supported by specialist officers.
Rice first appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court last week.
Minnie’s family later returned to the scene with police officers to leave tributes for the nine-year-old.
Her loved ones described her as their “beloved, absolutely incredible, beautiful and brave Minnie Moo.”
Family faces ‘unimaginable heartbreak’
A close friend of the family, Stevie Walker, has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help support them.
He said the family had endured “unimaginable heartbreak” and now faced regular journeys between Yorkshire and Scotland, as well as accommodation and everyday living expenses, until Minnie can return home.
Tributes have continued to appear at the scene in Arbroath, including a Minnie Mouse toy.
Investigation into alleged medical records breach
Meanwhile, NHS Tayside is investigating an alleged breach involving Minnie’s medical records.
The health board said it was examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, which is said to have occurred in a clinical area where staff have access to patient information.
Arbroath FC pays tribute
Minnie was also remembered by Arbroath FC before their Scottish Championship match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday.
More than 1,300 supporters attended the match at Gayfield Park, located around a mile from where Minnie was found.
Writing on Facebook, Minnie’s aunt Chloe Merriman thanked the club and the local community for their support.
“We really appreciate this as a family,” she said. “My sister is overwhelmed with the kindness and love from Arbroath.”