Nikki Allan murder trial: Traces of DNA found on Sunderland girl's clothing linked to man accused of killing, court hears

Neighbour David Boyd took Nikki Allan to a disused building in an area of wasteland in Sunderland in October 1992, where he beat her with a brick and shattered her skull before stabbing her multiple times until she was dead,it is claimed.

Newcastle Crown Court has heard how a witness had seen a young girl, who prosecutors claim was Nikki, with a man, walking towards the area where she was killed.

The woman told how the child would skip to catch up if she fell behind him as they walked.

The schoolgirl's body was found inside the Old Exchange building the following day by a 16-year-old who was helping search for her.

Boyd, 55, of Chesterton Court, Norton, Stockton, Teesside, denies murder and is being tried by a jury.

The court heard Nikki sustained 37 stab wounds including eight to the heart, as well as being struck on the head with a brick.

Giving evidence from the witness stand on May 2 2023, forensic scientist James Chapman said examinations of four areas of Nikki's clothing found traces of DNA consistent with that of Boyd's profile.

Jurors heard Nikki's front collar had been tested and an almost complete male profile was found.