Minnie Merriman: Father returns to court over alleged murder of nine-year-old daughter

A father has returned to court over the alleged murder of his nine-year-old daughter in Angus.

Emergency crews were called to Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath at about 12.02am on Monday 3 August, where Minnie Merriman was found seriously injured.

The schoolgirl was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she later died.

Her father, Christopher Rice, 35, was arrested and charged in connection with her death.

Rice first appeared before Forfar Sheriff Court last Wednesday, where he made no plea to the single charge of murder.

The suspect, of Wakefield in West Yorkshire, returned to court on Thursday for a second private hearing.

He once again made no plea to the charge and was remanded in custody ahead of his next court appearance, which is yet to be confirmed.

Police Scotland earlier said other members of the family, who are from West Yorkshire, had been camping in the area.

They continue to be supported by specialist officers.

It is understood West Yorkshire Police is supporting the investigation.

In a statement previously released through Police Scotland, Minnie's family 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."

At the weekend, Arbroath FC held a minute's silence in tribute to Minnie ahead of kick-off against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Responding to the club's Facebook post, Minnie's aunt, Chloe Merriman, wrote: "We really appreciate this as a family. My sister, Laurie, is overwhelmed with the kindness and love from Arbroath."

A fundraiser has also been launched by a close friend of the family in a bid to support them.

Organiser Stevie Walker said their "whole world has been turned upside down".

He said the family had suffered "unimaginable heartbreak", adding: "Until Minnie can come home, the family face regular travel between Yorkshire and Scotland, as well as accommodation and everyday living costs.

"They also need to replace the basic things that most of us take for granted after losing their home and belongings."

More than £6,000 has been raised so far.

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NHS board investigating alleged 'data breach'

It comes as NHS Tayside is investigating an alleged "data breach" amid claims staff accessed Minnie's medical records without clinical need or permission.

A spokesperson for the health board said: "NHS Tayside is currently investigating the circumstances of an alleged data breach, which happened in a working clinical area where staff access patient information.

"As a matter of governance, any data protection breach would be recorded and investigated by NHS Tayside and, where appropriate, reported to the Information Commissioner's Office.

"It would not be appropriate for us to comment further on individual staffing matters."

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