16-year-old Aaron Campbell has been found guilty of murder.The identity of a teenage boy who raped and murdered six-year-old Alesha MacPhail has been revealed, after a judge allowed his name to be reported.
Previously a person under the age of 18 couldn't be publicly identified, however judge Lord Matthews today ruled that he can be named after considering an application from media outlets.
It is now public knowledge that 16-year-old Aaron Campbell is responsible for the heinous crime, which took place on the Isle of Bute in Scotland on July 2nd last year.
Alesha's body was found in woods just hours after she was reported missing from the house her father shared with his parents and partner on the island.
Campbell was found unanimously guilty by a jury in the High Court in Glasgow, following a nine-day trial on Feburary 21st 2019.
Alesha MacPhail Photo: FacebookCommenting on his decision to reveal Campbell's identity, judge Matthews said:"I can't think of a case in recent times that has attracted such revulsion.
"I intend to grant the application. The press may name the accused and publish images of him."
"We can't believe that we will never see our wee angel Alesha again.''
Speaking after the sentencing, Alesha's mother Georgina Lochrane, said: "Words cannot express just how devastated I am to have lost my beautiful, happy, smiley wee girl.
"I am glad that the boy who did this has finally been brought to justice and that he will not be able to inflict the pain on another family that he has done to mine.
"Alesha, I love you so much, my wee pal. I will miss you forever."
The MacPhail family said: "We can't believe that we will never see our wee angel Alesha again. We miss her so much.
"We hope that the boy who took her from us is jailed for a long time because of what he has done to our family.
"Alesha may be gone from our lives but she will always be in our hearts."
Campbell's sentencing has been deferred until March 21.
