Accused 'innocent' of girl's murder

A man accused of murdering a nine-year-old girl in Northern Ireland was innocent, the court heard yesterday.

Robert Black, 62, is accused of kidnapping and killing Jennifer Cardy 28 years ago near Lisburn, Co Down.

His solicitor, Gabriel Ingram, told Lisburn Magistrates Court his Scottish-born client would be denying the allegation.

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"He is an innocent man and he will be contesting the charges," he said.

Jennifer was cycling to a friend's house near her Ballinderry, Co Antrim, home when she was abducted on August 12, 1981.

Her red bike was found a few days later by two anglers near her body at McKee's Dam, near Hillsborough, Co Down,

Black, currently resident in England, spoke only to confirm that he understood the charges during the five-minute preliminary inquiry.

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With grey receding hair, wearing glasses and a bright blue pullover, he arrived before 10am in a white prison van protected by riot police in an unmarked car.

The charges were taking and carrying away Jennifer against her will and murdering her.

Resident magistrate Rosemary Watters referred the case to Craigavon Crown Court.