Murder suspect, 54, appears in court over Nikki Allan, seven, found dead nearly 30 years ago
Murder suspect, 54, appears in court over schoolgirl Nikki Allan, seven, found dead in derelict building after going missing nearly 30 years ago
Man, 54, charged with murdering seven-year-old Nikki Allan in 1992 Nikki was killed after leaving her grandparents’ home in SunderlandShe was found brutally stabbed to death 37 times and beaten with a brickOn Tuesday, David Thomas Boyd appeared at Newcastle Crown Court
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A man charged with the murder of schoolgirl Nikki Allan almost 30 years ago has made his first crown court appearance today.
Seven-year-old Nikki was stabbed to death 37 times and beaten with a brick by her attacker after going missing near her family home in the Wear Garth area of Sunderland in October 7 1992.
She disappeared after leaving her grandparents’ home, located in the same block she lived in, and neighbours formed search parties in a desperate bid to find her.
Her body and shoes were tragically found at the derelict Old Exchange Building a few hundred yards away the next day.
Today, David Thomas Boyd, of Norton, County Durham, was charged with Nikki’s murder and appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.
The 54-year-old, who spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth, was remanded in custody until his next appearance at the same court on June 20.
Seven-year-old Nikki Allan (pictured) was stabbed to death 37 times and beaten with a brick by her attacker after going missing near her family home in the Wear Garth area of Sunderland in October 7 1992
The family of Nikki are pictured during the funeral of the youngster in 1992
Floral tributes to Nikki Allan outside the derelict Old Exchange Building in Sunderland, where her body was found
Nikki Allan’s body was found inside Sunderland’s Old Exchange Building
He appeared in the dock wearing a white t-shirt and sat with his arms folded during the hearing.
Following the news that Boyd had been charged, Northumbria Police Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: ‘This is an extremely tragic case and our thoughts very much continue to be with the family and friends of Nikki Allan.
‘A significant investigation has been ongoing ever since Nikki’s death 30 years ago.
‘As with any unsolved cases of this nature, they are never closed. Our dedicated teams constantly review the evidence and follow any new investigative leads that may come to light.
‘I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Nikki’s family for their patience and cooperation and we will continue to offer them any support they may need.’
In 1993, George Heron stood trial for Nikki’s murder, but was cleared by a jury at Leeds Crown Court.
Then in 2014, Sunderland serial killer Steven Grieveson was arrested and questioned on suspicion of Nikki’s murder. But he was released without charge and told he would face no action.
In April 2018, Northumbria Police arrested a man in Wear Garth on suspicion of her murder. His flat in Thornaby, Stockton on Tees, was searched and items taken for examination as police announced he was a suspect in Nikki’s case.
Assistant Chief Constable David Felton, of Northumbria Police, said: ‘This is an extremely tragic case and our thoughts very much continue to be with the family and friends of Nikki Allan.
‘A significant investigation has been ongoing ever since Nikki’s death 30 years ago. As with any unsolved cases of this nature, they are never closed.
Nikki Allan, who was found dead on October 8, 1992
Nikki’s body was found in the derelict Exchange building after her shoes were spotted outside. Above, floral tributes at the scene in 1992
‘Our dedicated teams constantly review the evidence and follow any new investigative leads that may come to light.
‘I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Nikki’s family for their patience and cooperation and we will continue to offer them any support they may need.’
The Crown Prosecution said in a statement: ‘Following the review of a file of evidence submitted by Northumbria Police, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised police to lay information in order to obtain a Magistrates’ Court warrant for the arrest of a man, in relation to the death of Nikki Allan in the East End of Sunderland in 1992.
‘The information alleges that David Thomas Boyd (aka David Smith/David Bell), 54, of Chesterton Court, Norton, County Durham is responsible for the murder of Nikki Allan.
‘The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against David Boyd are now active and that he has a right to a fair trial.’
