Verulam rape, murder accused intends to plead not guilty
A 26-year-old man accused of raping and murdering a seven-year-old girl in Verulam has told the court he intends pleading not guilty.
The man was arrested last month, after the child was found stabbed to death in Hammonds Farm.
He was initially only charged with murder. The rape charge was added today.
The suspect is applying for bail in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court.
In an affidavit that was handed in support of him being granted bail, the accused says he'll be pleading not guilty. He says he has an alibi.
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On the day in question, he says he spent the morning with friends, and the afternoon at the shops - buying dinner and drawing cash.
However, the investigating officer Captain Emmanuel Zulu says exhibit C from the scene as well as witness statements implicate the accused and that the State has a strong case against him.