Lawyers challenge evidence against child murder accused

Lawyers for a man accused of murdering a nine-year-old girl in the North 28 years ago launched a legal challenge today against the evidence in the case.

Robert Black, 62, is charged with kidnapping and killing Jennifer Cardy near Lisburn, Co Down.

His solicitor has already said his Scottish-born client is denying the charges.

Black was due to be arraigned today, but a lawyer for the accused man told Belfast Crown Court he was launching an application to have the case stopped on grounds of insufficient evidence.

Submissions will be made during March, with Black due to appear by video link for a hearing at Laganside Courts in Belfast on April 16.

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

Her red bike was discovered in a field beside a hedge, near her home, and her body was found six days later by anglers at McKee’s Dam, near Hillsborough.

Black, currently resident in England, spoke only to confirm his identity during today’s short hearing.

With grey hair and wearing a bright blue jumper, he stood expressionless and was flanked by prison officers.