Lucy McHugh murder suspect jailed for refusing to give police his Facebook password

The man suspected of murdering schoolgirl Lucy McHugh has been jailed for refusing to provide his Facebook password to police investigating her death.

Stephen Nicholson, 24, was jailed for 14 months at an appearance at Southampton Crown Court via video-link where he pleaded guilty to the charge under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (Ripa).

Lucy, from Mansel Road, Southampton, was found in woodland at Southampton Sports Centre on July 26 after being stabbed to death.

Nicholson, a family friend who was staying in Lucy’s home until shortly before her death, was first arrested by Hampshire Police on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child.

The 24-year-old refused to allow detectives investigating any private messages between himself and the 13-year-old access to his Facebook account. He was bailed before being charged under Ripa.

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At the hearing on Friday Judge Christopher Parker QC jailed Nicholson for 14 months.

A decision on whether to charge him with further offences is expected on October 27.