Christopher Rice, 35, of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, is facing trial after appearing in court for a second time charged with murder following the death of his nine-year-old daughter Minnie Merriman.
Court appearance and remand
Rice appeared in private at Forfar Sheriff Court on Thursday, where 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.
He had previously appeared at the same court last week charged with murder.
Incident and investigation
Minnie, from West Yorkshire, was found injured just after midnight on August 3 at the Elliot industrial estate in Arbroath, Angus, while her family were camping in the area. She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she later died.
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.
Family tribute
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.”
