Christopher Rice, 35, is due to stand trial accused of the nine-year-old’s murder after prosecutors alleged he killed Minnie, who died in hospital on August 3. He made no plea during his latest court appearance and remains in custody as the case moves towards trial. But with the most serious allegation now heading before a court, attention is turning to what the next stage could mean for Rice — and what punishment he could ultimately face if convicted
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…