Tia Sharp: Hazell 'Begged For Forgiveness'

The jury in the Tia Sharp murder trial have heard details of a letter Stuart Hazell wrote to his father Keith while he was on remand, begging for forgiveness.

Hazell, 37, who is accused of murdering Tia, wrote from Belmarsh Prison: "You know I'm not a bad person. It's the Hazell curse and I've only got myself to blame.

"One mistake and my whole world has collapsed. My fault, I know."

The court also heard forensic evidence which suggested that a "small, heavy" stain of Tia's blood was found on a belt belonging to Hazell.

Forensic scientists has also found two areas of possible semen stains on the floor in Tia's bedroom - and one matched Hazell's DNA.

In the letter to his father, Hazell apologises and says he knows that Tia's family will not forgive him and that her death was an accident.

The letter goes on: "I should have told police everything. They are trying to say it was sexual. I promise you it wasn't.

"What happened I will explain in time, but put it this way, it was an accident and I panicked. Stupid I know but for my stupidity I'm looking at 15 to 18 years. I regret it every second of every day.

"I know Christine (Tia's grandmother) and her family will never forgive me. I'm truly truly sorry xxx."

Hazell also wrote that he wanted to kill himself and asked God for mercy.

"God have mercy on me. Don't listen to the papers, like everyone else. I will tell you all in time. God I hate myself. I think about ending my life because if I don't someone will, that's definite".

Hazell also asked his father to send him money, saying: "I've got no money, no fags, no hope."

The court also heard how Hazell twice drew a picture of a sad face in the letter, which was intercepted by prison authorities.

Hazell is said by prosecutors to have sexually assaulted the 12-year-old, then killed her and hidden her body in the loft of the home that he shared with her grandmother in south London. He denies the allegations.

The trial, at the Old Bailey, continues.