Scores of people have flooded social media with messages of tribute to six-year-old Alesha MacPhail after her murderer, Aaron Campbell, was sentenced today.
The 16-year-old killer faces life in prison with Judge Lord Matthews imposing a minimum 27 year sentence on Campbell.
Some are calling for Scotland to ‘forget’ his name and remember that of his victim, a schoolgirl at Chapelside Primary School in Airdrie, instead.
Alesha was visiting family in Bute on July 2 when she disappeared from the house her father shared with his parents and partner.
Her body was found in woodland nearby with horrific injuries, having been raped and murdered. The High Court in Glasgow heard she had 117 separate injuries, and died from “significant and forceful pressure to her neck and face”.
Campbell denied the horrific crime during last month's trial but today he admitted responsiblity .
Today, Prosecutor Iain McSporran QC gave a victim statement from Alesha’s paternal grandparents, Angela King and Calum MacPhail.
He said: "They are utterly devastated and heartbroken. She was a beautiful, kind and thoughtful child who they miss every day.
"They are tortured and tormented by the circumstances of her murder. I think overwhelmed is an understatement.
"They do not see how they can live a normal life. Her future was taken and so was theirs."
Following today’s sentencing, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf tweeted: “My thoughts very much with the family and friends of Alesha MacPhail. My deepest sympathies for the unimaginable trauma and horror they have experienced. There are no words.”
Tributes to the young girl have flooded in from across the country, with some calling on others to remember her instead of Campbell.
Man stabbed in 'violent' Tradeston attack as police launch attempted murder probe
Shona Binnie commented on the Glasgow Live Facebook page : “Let’s forget about him. Do not name him or print his name. Think only of his victim Alesha like they are trying to do in New Zealand [following last week’s terrorist attack]. He doesn’t deserve to be remembered.”
Helen Mccallum agreed: “Instead remember beautiful Alesha who will never grow up to be a confident young woman, maybe with her own family. RIP sweetheart, sleep with the angels.”
Pauline Baxter added: “What a sick society we have when a young guy can commit such a horrific crime. Bless the poor wee darling’s mum as no matter the sentence she will never recover from this atrocity. Thoughts and prayers to you dear lady.”
Alesha's mother Georgina Lochrane and other family members were in court for the sentencing and she jumped up from her seat and shouted at Campbell as he was led away.
Ann Marie Cocozza, of the Families and Friends Against Murder and Suicide charity (FAMS) said that Ms Lochrane has offered to volunteer with them.
