Man accused of murdering nine-year-old daughter in Arbroath makes second appearance in court

A man accused of murdering his nine-year-old daughter at an industrial estate in Arbroath has made a second court appearance.

Minnie Merriman was found injured at Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath, where the family had been camping, on August 2.

The nine-year-old from West Yorkshire was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, alongside three members of her family, where she was pronounced dead.

Her father, Christopher Rice, of Wakefield, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court last week, charged with murder.

The 35-year-old made a second appearance 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.

The schoolgirl’s mum, Laurie Merriman, described her daughter as her “twin” following her death.

She wrote: “You have always and will continue being my strength, we are connected eternally, I have never felt a love so deep and a connection so strong.

“My first true love, my twin, I am connected to you in life and in death, and my girl that cannot be broken, I will fight to stay strong for your little brothers.

“I will hold my head high, knowing you will always be holding my hand for the rest of my life. I will see you again, that I know for sure. I love you eternally.”